A collection of essays and tracts in theology

It ^V^^o\ .

f
f

COLLECTION

OF

ESSAYS AND TRACTS

THEOLOGY.

BY JARED SPARKS.

No. I.

JANUARY, 1823.

CONTENTS.

TURRETIN ON FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION, - - 1

ABAUZIT'S ESSAYS, JJJ

On mysteries in religion, .... w<$

Honour due to jesus christ, - - - 121

Power or jesus christ, 136

On the holy spirit, 141

Christ's charge to his apostles, • - - 149

General view of the lord's supper, - - 152

Remarks on john xiv. 28. - - - - 160

BOSTON :
PUBLISHED BY O. EVERETT, NO. 13 CORNHILL

CAMBRIDGE :
University Press Hilliard & Metcalf.

1823.

| i^., -VTU-l^

1

PROPOSALS

BY 0. EVERETT

FOR PUBLISHING IN BOSTON

A

COLLECTION

OF

ESSAYS AND TRACTS

BY DIFFERENT AUTHORS,
ON VARIOUS IMPORTANT SUBJECTS

IN

THEOLOGY.

BY JARED SPARKS.

It is well known to the theological student, and it
can hardly have escaped the general inquirer, that
some of the most valuable articles in Theology are in
a great measure excluded from public use and benefit.
In this country, they are rarely or never published;
and abroad, they are obtained with difficulty. Some of

of them are embodied in voluminous works, and not
printed in a separate form ; while others, however
highly they are estimated for their general excellence,
rational views of theology, and just criticism, are not
sufficiently adapted to prevailing sentiments of religion
to induce booksellers to risk the expense of an edition.
Several theologians of the greatest piety and learn-
ing have been led by their inquiries to results, which
have not accorded in all respects with the opinions of
the multitude ; and hence they have been proscribed
by the popular voice, either as unsound in faith, or
erroneous in their principles, because their faith and
principles have not squared with the standard, which
the majority have agreed to set up.

It has been thought, that a greater favour could not
be conferred on the inquiring part of the community,
nor a more essential service rendered to the cause of
truth and rational piety, than to publish in numbers a
series of selected articles in such a form that they may
be conveniently circulated, and obtained at a moderate
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have intrinsic merit, and are calculated to strengthen
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the Scriptures — to exhibit rational and consistent views
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laws of Christ. And it will not be doubted, that writ-
ings of this character and tendency may be found in
the works of such men as Sir Isaac Newton. Whitby,
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The character, which the work is expected to boar.
may be understood from the following articles proposed
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Whitby's Last Thoughts.

Sir Isaac Newton's Historical Account of two Cor-
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William Penn's. Sandy Foundation Shaken.

Emlyn's Humble Inquiry.

Jeremy Taylor's Liberty of Prophesying.

Le Clerc on Inspiration.

Farmer on the Demoniacs of the New Testament.

Cogan's Letter to Wilberforce on Hereditary De-
pravity.

IV

Tracts and essays of much less dimensions, than the
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Such are the outlines of the plan proposed, and it
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tion judiciously selected, will be a most valuabe
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CONDITIONS.

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September 3, 1822.

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ADVERTISEMENT.

The public is here presented with the first number
of the Theological Collection, the plan of which is
described in the preceding Proposals. This number
will serve as a specimen of the work, both in regard
to its character, and the style in which it will be exe-
cuted. The Editor has received warm encouragement
to engage in the undertaking from gentlemen on whose
judgment he can rely ; but, as the time has not yet
come, when a work, whose professed object is to pro-
mote free inquiry, liberal sentiments, and a spirit of
toleration in religion, can be hoped to gain an exten-
sive patronage, its success must ultimately depend on
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The next number will complete the first volume,
and will contain a title page, table of contents, and
preface.

TURRETIN

FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES

RELIGION.

TUKKETIJY.

The name of Turretin was long conspicuous
in the theological school of Geneva. Three persons
of this name, Benedict Turretin, Francis Turretin,
and John Alphonsus Turretin, father, son, and grand-
son, were successive!} p of —mis of theology in thai
place. The last of the three was the most distin-
guished, and was the author of the Discourse oi'
Fundamentals in Religion, with which the present
work commences.

He was born at Geneva, 1671, and after making,
with close application and under the hest teachers, ex-
traordinary proficiency in his studies at home, he went
to Ley den, where he attended the lectures of Span-
heim, and completed his education. In this place he
wrote a treatise, pointing out the great varieties of
opinion in the Church of Rome, which wis- intended
to counteract the influence of Bossuet's work on the
Variations in the Protestant Churches. From Ley-
den he went to England, where he hecame acquainted
with Tillotson, Burnet, and Wake, and is said to
have done much towards correcting the erroneous

TURRETIN.

impressions under which the English clergy laboured
respecting the Genevan Church. He next visited
Paris, and held public disputations with the doctors
of the Sorbonne.

On his return to Geneva, he engaged in the min-
istry, and so much was he esteemed by his country-
men, that the magistrates, to testify their sense of his
merits, created for him a professorship of ecclesias-
tical history. He was afterwards appointed rector
of the Academy of Geneva, and then professor of
theology, which latter office he held till his death in
1737. He filled several other public stations, the
duties of which he discharged with fidelity and
credit.

His theological writings are numerous, and equal-
ly remarkable for their learning and their moderation.
It was a favourite project with him to unite all
the Protestant Churches in one communion. He
deprecated the differences, which churches and
individuals were fond of thrusting forward as causes
of separation, and laboured to show, that the violent
controversies about metaphysical and abstruse points
in theology, which prevailed in his time, had no
alliance with the true spirit of Christianity. He
endeavoured to inculcate moderation and rational
inquiry, and to convince the contending parties, that
the religion of Jesus was designed to be a bond of
peace and union. In the prosecution of this purpose
he wrote his treatise on Fundamentals in Religion.

tukkl:tix.

This treatise was originally written in Latin, and
constituted part of a work, entitled Nubes Testium.
or Cloud of Witnesses, which was dedicated to
the Archbishop of Canterbury. It gained great
applause among the learned, and the part, which is
now offered to the public, was translated into English
and published in London in the year 1720. The
greater portion of the work, from which this article
is taken, is made up of copious extracts from ancient
and modern writers of high authority, which the
author adduces as testimonies, that his opinions res-
pecting fundamental articles are not new or rash, bin
have been supported by the most enlightened men
in all ages of the church. These testimonies are
arranged in four classes. The first contains the
sentiments of the ancient Fathers ; the second
embraces extracts from Luther and Lutheran di-
vines; the third from ZuJrigfius, Cabin, and. their
followers ; the fourth from the Acts of Synods and
Councils. "Yet," says the English translator, "our
author complains under each cla^s, that, for the
most part, men have not been so uniform arid con-
sistent with such expressions as might be wished :
but produces them as testimonies extorted by the
force of truth, which has darted into men's minds
with irresistible light, when they have calmly and
impartially considered these things." And in regard
to the decisions of Synods and Councils, he
that their failure has not been owing to anv defect

O TURRETIN.

in the plan, but to the want of a proper disposition
in the parties concerned.

As these testimonies would add little weight to
the author's reasonings, in the estimation of the
English reader, they have not been translated. Few
persons at the present day, and especially in this
country, will respond to the zeal manifested against
Popery in the eighth chapter ; yet we must remem-
ber, that the author wrote in other times, and under
the influence of many exciting causes, of which we
can at present have but an imperfect conception.
We must, also, give credit to his own declaration, that
principles and not men, were the objects of his
remarks. But after all, it must be allowed, that it
is not easy to reconcile some of the sentiments ad-
vanced in this chapter with the liberal and tolerant
spirit, and rational views, which pervade all the
other parts of this treatise.

The translation here published is the one men-
tioned above ; and if it sometimes fails in elegance
of style, it is seldom without the greater merit of
being simple and perspicuous.

DISCOURSE

FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES

IK

RELIGION.

Introduction.

The subject of Fundamental Articles, being as
weighty and important as any in religion ; either that
our notions herein may be just and right, and that we
may be able to distinguish what is of the essence of
religion, from things which are not essential, nor of
equal importance ; or that we may know how to con-
duct ourselves with a pious and christian moderation
towards those who differ from us in things which are
not necessary ; and not venture to condemn them, to
exclude them from our communion, or, as is usual
with many, to send them to the very pit of destruc-
tion ; that we may treat of it as briefly and clearly as
possible, we shall divide this discourse into the fol-
lowing heads. First, we shall show what is com-

b FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

monly understood by fundamental articles, and .such
as are not fundamental. Secondly, that there is
really such a distinction. Thirdly, we shall reject,
some false marks of fundamentals, and such as will
not hold. Fourthly, we shall produce those which
to us seem the best ana fittest. Fifthly, we shall
consider, whether it be possible to fix a certain and
determinate number of fundamental articles. Sixthly,
how we ought to conduct ourselves towards those who
differ from us in fundamentals. Seventhly, how we
should behave towards such as differ from us in things
not fundamental. Eighthly, we shall bring an instance
of a fundamental difference in our separation from
the church of Rome. Niiithly, an instance of a
difference not fundamental, in the differences among
Protestants. Tenthly, we shall offer some pacific
and healing advices, which may be useful to promote
union among christians, leaving them to the consid-
eration of all good men, and lovers of peace.

CHAP. I.

What tve are to understand by Fundamental Articles,
and such as are not Fundamental.

Fundamental Articles are those principles of
religion, which so relate to the essence and foundation
of it, and are of so great importance, that without them
religion cannot stand, or at least will be destitute of a

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. §

chief and necessary part. Thus, There is a God, is
a fundamental article, nay the first of all ; for take
away the existence of God, and all religion must
needs fall to the ground. In like manner, God is
a beneficent Being, and will certainly reward his
worshippers, is also a fundamental article ; for take
away the goodness and munificence of God, and by
far the greatest motive to piety and virtue is destroy-
ed ; and therefore, the Apostle teaches, that " he
that cometh to God," that is, worships him in any
wise, " must believe that he is, and that he is a Re-
warder of them that diligently seek him."*

And since religion, if we are wholly destitute of
it, or at least if we are deficient in any principal part
of it, cannot yield us its proper fruits, which are, to
render us acceptable to God, and to bring us to
eternal salvation ; therefore, fundamental articles are
such as are necessary to be known, and believed,
in order to obtain the favour of God, and the salva-
tion of our souls.

Again, since religion with all its essential parts is
the bond of Church Communion, hence we may
conclude, that fundamental articles are such as are
necessary to be professed, in order to hold commun-
ion with any particular person, or with any religious
society ; for it would be absurd to admit any into
such a society, who did either directly deny, or in
effect destroy the essentials, or, as one may call them.
the very vitals of religion.
* Heb. xi. 6

10 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

These are the commonly received notions, that
are by the generality of divines fixed to the name of
fundamental articles. Some, indeed, the better to
distinguish them, make two sorts ; fundamentals with
respect to things, or to religion itself ; and fundament-
als with respect to persons. Others make three sorts,
and divide them into things necessary to salvation,
things necessary to religion, and things necessary to
the church. But though these distinctions may some-
times be well grounded, and have their use, as we
shall see afterwards ; yet, for the most part, and in
the ordinary course of affairs, they all centre in one
point, and signify only the different properties and
consequences of fundamental articles. For those
which are fundamental with respect to things, or to
religion itself, are also fundamental with respect to
such persons, to whom religion is duly proposed, and
who are endued with sufficient capacities to under-
stand and receive it ; so that without them, in the
ordinary course of affairs, such persons cannot be
entitled to the favour of God, nor obtain salva-
tion, nor be accounted true and sound members
of the church. Nor indeed can it better be known
what is essential in religion, or what is requisite
in order to admit a person into Church Commun-
ion, any other way, than from those places of
scripture where the terms of salvation are laid down,
as will be more fully shown in the sequel of this
Discourse. Therefore, passing by these, let us

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 11

rather premise some other distinctions more pertinent
to the present purpose.

1. Since the revelations, which have been grant-
ed to us by God, have been very different ; some
whereof have been more clear and full than others,
as is evident, by considering the revelation, which is
purely from nature, the revelation granted to the
Patriarchs, the revelation delivered by Moses, and
lastly the Christian Revelation ; in like manner,
fundamental articles must be understood to differ,
according to the difference of these revelations. But
our design is principally to treat of the Christian
Revelation, and consequently of such articles as do,
or do not, belong to the essence of Christianity.

2. As the revelations made by God have been
various, so the state and conditions in which he has
placed men have been so likewise. The capacities,
the endowments, and the circumstances, which have
been allotted to them, have varied almost infinitely ;
all which things must necessarily be regarded, and
allowed their due weight, in describing fundamental
articles.

3. We must also observe, that persons may
offend against some points of religion two ways ;
either by mere ignorance, or by a direel denial
or opposition ; and both these may take their rise
from different causes, and be attended with different
circumstances and effects ; some whereof may be
more criminal, and others more innocent.

12 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

4. Persons also may err fundamentally two ways;
either by expressly denying something that is fun-
damental, or by joining something to the foundation,
that does really destroy it. In the former manner,
they stumbled at the foundation, who denied the
resurrection, of whom St. Paul speaks ;* and in the
latter, those teachers of the Galatians, whom the
same Apostle does so sharply rebuke in his Epistle.

5. When we say that fundamental articles are
such as are necessary to be known and believed, in
order to obtain salvation, we would not be so under-
stood, as if we thought that none, who is ignorant of
any one of these articles, or mistakes concerning it,
can possibly arrive at salvation ; for as in crimes and
evil actions, so likewise in ignorance and mistakes,
there is a twofold remedy ; the one on our part,
which is repentance, either general or particular ; the
other on God's part, mercy or forgiveness ; by means
whereof, as we may hope for pardon of the greatest
crimes, so it cannot be denied, but we may also of
the most grievous errors.

6. This whole matter may be considered in a
double respect; either as it relates to the ordinary
course in which things generally proceed, and which
God has made known in his word ; or to those
extraordinary ways in which God may, and it can
hardly be doubted but he oftentimes does act. But
here we only speak of the ordinary way, and leave
the other to the wisdom and good pleasure of God.
* 1 Cor. iv.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 13

These things being premised in the general, the
use whereof will appear in what follows, we are next
to show, that this distinction of truths and errors into
fundamental, and not fundamental, is not a vain and
empty distinction.

CHAP. II.

Some Articles in Religion are Fundamental, and
others not Fundamental.

That there are really some articles in religion
fundamental, and others not fundamental, may be
demonstrated two ways ; from the nature of the
thing, and from scripture.

1. From the nature of the thing. And truly,
unless we will allow this distinction, we must say one
of these two things ; either that no truths in religion
are fundamental, and necessary to be known ; or
that all arc so; neither of which c;\n be allowed.
That no truths are necessary to be known, none but
an atheist can venture to affirm ; and they who own
the being of a God, can do no less, surely, than grant
that the knowledge of him is necessary. The sub-
jects of any kingdom or state cannot be ignorant
without blame, that there is a prince, or some civil
magistrate under whom they live, and whom they
arc bound to obey. Nay. further, they ought to

14 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

have a knowledge of the laws of that kingdom or
state ; for every one knows, that ignorance of the
law is no excuse. But now, how much more neces-
sary is it for us to know, as well as we are able, the
Lord of the universe, and the laws that are given us
Dy him ? And if it be necessary to know him, who
is Lord of all, then it cannot but be displeasing to him,
for us to entertain dishonourable notions of him, or
to charge him with the most detestable crimes, to
place him upon a level with the meanest of creatures,
and to pay him a worship that consists of wickedness
or cruelty. Neither is it to be thought, that in doing
thus, we can possibly be innocent, and free from
blame. And since all this might be said, though we
had no revelation, how much more are these things
necessary to be known, now we have one, wherein
God has manifested the certain knowledge of him-
self, and appointed certain worship to be paid to
him ?

But on the other hand, that all truths of religion
are fundamental, and necessary to be known, is so
absurd an imagination, that no man who seriously
considers, can admit of it ; for who can suppose, that
God does necessarily require all truths of religion,
without exception, to be known of every individual
man ; and consequently that all these truths are
equally to be esteemed and regarded by us ? Who
can imagine, that all truths, which depend upon
chronology, geography^ criticism ; that all proper

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 15

names in scripture, and that all circumstances, even
of the minutest events, which concern religion, are
necessary to be known ? Certainly the design of
religion is not to exercise the wit and understandings
of men, nor to burden and overwhelm their memories
with so vast a number of all sorts of truths ; but to
implant in their minds the fear and love of God, and
excite them to certain duties. Those truths, there-
fore, that tend most to this end, are certainly of the
greatest importance ; and they, that have little or no
tendency hereunto, are undoubtedly of less moment,
and so by no means to be accounted necessary.

Again, they who say all truths of religion are
fundamental, and necessary to be known in order to
obtain salvation, must either be tormented with
endless doubts and perplexities, or imagine them-
selves to be infallible, so as certainly to know all
truths without exception, and be sure, that they
do not err in the least point. And what man in his
wits can possibly pretend to this ? Finally, he who
says all truths of religion are fundamental, and all
errors damnable, ought to prove it ; but the thing
will admit of no sort of proof; nay, on the contrary,
the goodness and wisdom of God do most directly
oppose such an assertion. Since, therefore, it can-
not be affirmed on the one hand, that no truths are
fundamental, nor on the other, that all are so; hence
it follows that a difference must be made between

16 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

truths that axe fundamental, and truths that are not
fundamental.

2. This is also evident from scripture. For it
cannot be denied but the Apostle* does make a
plain distinction between the foundation, and things
built upon the foundation, and proceeds to show,
that things built upon the foundation are of two sorts ;
some of them are good and profitable to men ; these
he calls gold, silver, precious stones. Others are
useless, and really hurtful, such as vain and idle
disputes, rash and hasty conclusions, and cere-
monies that lead to superstition ; which he calls
wood, hay, and stubble. The former will stand and
abide the fiery trial, that is, the judgment of God ;
but the latter shall be burnt up ; yet the authors or
promoters of such things may be saved themselves,
though so as by fire, that is, not without difficulty.

In like manner, the Apostle distinguishes be-
tween things wherein christians agree, and according
to which they ought to walk, and things wherein
good men may differ without any prejudice to piety
or •mutual love. "Let us therefore, as many as
be perfect, be thus minded ;" namely, with regard
to what he had before laid down concerning the
privileges and ceremonies of the law. " And if in
any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal
even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have
already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let lis
* 1 Cor. Hi. 10, 11, 12

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 1?

mind the same thing ;"* or be affected in the same
manner, and preserve peace and union among our-
selves. And accordingly the Apostles, in many
places of scripture, teach us, that some things are of
so great moment, that he who errs in them, and de-
parts from the doctrine of Christ, is not only to be
sharply rebuked, but to be removed from the com-
munion of the church. f And these important points
are signified to us by various appellations in scrip-
ture ; they are called, the foundation ; the principles
of the doctrine of Christ; the first principles of the
oracles of God; wholesome doctrines ; the form of
sound words; the word of truth ; the doctrine which
is according to godliness. And so, on the contrary,
in other places, J we are told, that there are some
things in which persons who do err, ought never-
theless to be borne with as brethren ; of which we
shall speak more hereafter.

Neither is this distinction of the points of religion
a new thing, or a notion peculiar to us ; but has been
allowed in all ages, and by divines of all parties.
The Jews undoubtedly had their fundamental truths,
as appears from the writings of their rabbies. So
Moses Maimonides, the most learned of them, enti-
tles the first book of his treatise, called, The Strong
Hand, thus ; Of the Foundations of the Lav: ; and

* Phil. iii. 15, 16.

t Gal. i. 8. 1 Tim. vi. 3, 4, 5. 2 John, 10.

% Rom. xiv. and xv.

18 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

begins it with these words ; " The Foundation of
Foundations, and the Pillar of Wisdom, is to know
that there is one First Being, which gave being to
all others."

And among the ancient Fathers of the Church,
nothing was more common than to use those words,
the principles, the elements, the necessary things, to sig-
nify the primary and fundamental doctrines of the
Gospel. This is what Tertullian means, by " the
rule of faith, the only immoveable and unchangeable
rule, which it is sufficient for a man to know, though
he knows no more."* And from these primary
articles, wherein " the foundation of all catholic
doctrine did consist, they distinguished the lesser
questions of the divine law,"f concerning which,
persons might have different sentiments, without
destroying the unity of faith. And Justin Martyr,
Irenasus, Tertullian, Cyprian, Austin, and others,
give testimonies concerning this matter, which would
be too tedious to recite.

Hence also creeds and confessions of faith, and
then catechisms took their rise ; which contained the
first principles of religion, such as it was thought
proper for catechumens, or beginners, to profess their
belief of. And in the first ages, these things were
short and plain ; but afterwards, through the dissen-
sions that arose in the church, they were exceed-
ingly multiplied and enlarged ; insomuch, that Hilary

* De Virginibus velan. cap. 1. f Vinccntius Lirinensis.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 19

complained, that confessions were framed at every
one's pleasure.

The papists do carefully distinguish questions
which are of the faith, from questions which are not
of the faith: and pretend that the power of deter-
mining the former lies in their church ; and there-
fore that she may increase or diminish the number of
articles of faith at pleasure. And besides an implicit
faith, by which persons are bound to believe what-
ever the church believes, they say that some things
are also to be believed explicit!}) ; and, accordingly,
dispute among themselves about these articles of
faith, which are to be believed explicitly, some mak-
ing them more, some fewer ; but others say that the
number of them cannot be determined. All which
things do plainly show, that though they do not Use
the same terms as we do, yet they do not reject or
condemn the common distinction, of fundamentals
and things not fundamental.

This distinction is so obvious among protestant
divines of different parties, and has been so gener-
ally received among them, that it would be needless
to mention any. Therefore, without any further
confirmation of this famous distinction, let us see
what are the marks or criterions by which we may
be able to distinguish fundamentals, from things
which are not fundamental. And we shall first of
all separate the false marks, and then offer some
rules which appear to us more just.

20 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION..

CHAP. III.

False marks of fundamental articles rejected.

The opinion of the papists here first presents
itself, who pretend that all things which their church
determines, as of the faith, do immediately become
articles of faith ; and consequently that the church
may, by her determinations and decrees, increase
the number of them at pleasure. But this notion is
easily destroyed. For, first, such an authority was
never granted by God, to any assembly of men, nor
to any private teachers whatever. Secondly, the
Apostles themselves confess, that they had no domin-
ion over the faith of christians, and that they deliv-
ered nothing to them but what they had received of
the Lord.* Thirdly, all christians are commanded
to examine whatever their pastors teach them, to
beware of false prophets, to try all things, to hold
fast that which is good ; and if an angel from heaven,
or the Apostles themselves, should preach any other
Gospel, to pronounce them accursed. f So that
pastors of the church have no power to add even the
least point to the christian faith, much less to increase
the number of its articles at pleasure. Fourthly,
the church herself, or her pastors, are so far from
having a power of altering them, or adding to their

* 2 Cor. i. 24. 1 Cor. xv. 3.

i Mat. vii. 15. 1 Thes. v. 21. Gal. i. 8, 9.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 21

number, that the true church, and true pastors
thereof, can no otherwise be distinguished from oth-
ers, than by considering whether they hold the
foundation, or depart from it. This mark, therefore,
which the papists bring, is altogether precarious,
nay, tyrannical and antichristian ; for it is certainly
the greatest tyranny, and pride, to assume a power
of determining what is necessary to be known in
order to salvation, and, in a matter of so great con-
sequence, to add to the word of God.

2. Others are of opinion, that whatever is deliv-
ered in scripture, is upon that very account funda-
mental ; and to this purpose they urge the words of
St. Paul ; " Whatsoever things were written afore-
time, were written for our learning ;" and also,
" All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness."* But, as has been
already observed, who can imagine that all things
found in scripture, of whatever sort, as proper names
of men, places, animals, plants, and all circumstances
of the most minute actions, are so necessary to be
known, that none can be saved without the knowl-
edge of them ? The words of the Apostle carry no
such meaning ; for the sense of those places is not
that each sentence, word, or syllable of scripture, does
contain something in them of the utmost consequence
to Christianity, and so that all these are necessary to
* Rora. xv. 4. 2 Tina. iii. 16.

22 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

be known ; but only that the doctrine contained in
that book, and the principal things delivered there,
are to be for our instruction above all other things ;
and that whatever is necessary for our instruction,
exhortation, or correction, is fully contained in it.
Yea, the Apostle does largely shew in another place
that we ought " to bear the infirmities of the weak."*
And those words, " for whatsoever things were writ-
ten," &c. are added for no other purpose, but to
show us, that by the instructions of scripture we are
to learn a christian meekness and forbearance ;
which very thing does prove that disagreement in
matters of less importance, although they are things
contained in scripture, ought not to be accounted
fundamental.

3. Another mark, which many make use of to
distinguish fundamentals from such as are not so, is
taken from what they call the analogy of faith, or,
which is the same thing, systems of divinity, in which
some take one method, and some another. We shall
only bring an instance or two out of them, to illus-
trate this matter. Some, therefore, talk after this
manner. Those things, which contain the causes of
salvation, are for that very reason necessary to be
known, in order to salvation ; but, say these men, in
the causes of salvation, three things are to be dis-
tinctly considered, — the design, the purchase, and
the application of it. The design is laid in God's
* Rom. xv. 1. and all the xivth chap.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 23

eternal predestination ; the purchase is made through
the merits and satisfaction of Christ, and the appli-
cation by the power and operation of the Holy-
Spirit ; and then they proceed to infer, that not only
these things themselves, but all questions appertain-
ing to them, are necessary to be known in order to
salvation. Others argue thus ; Christ is the Foun-
dation, according to the Apostle, " Other foundation
can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ."* But say they, in Christ there are several
things to be distinctly considered ; as, his person,
twofold nature, different states, his offices, and ben-
efits. To which heads it is very plain, that innu-
merable questions, if not all in divinity may easily be
referred. But they who argue in this manner, though
they say nothing but what is true, and indeed of very
great moment, yet their mistake lies in this ; they
confound what was necessary to be done in order to
procure salvation, with what is necessary to be
known ; which two things are very different, as is
plain by considering the case of infants, of persons
thai are deaf, or distracted, and of the patriarchs in
the Old Testament. The thing may be illustrated
by a similitude taken from our food ; every one
knows, that abundance of things are requisite to the
digestion and separation of our food ; and yet no
body ever said that these things were necessary to
be known, in order to receive nourishment from it.
* 1 Cor. iii. 11

24 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

Hitherto we have rejected those marks, which to
us seem faulty, by containing too much. There are
others no less faulty, for requiring too little. From
these therefore the next mark is taken.

4. Those things only are fundamental, which
have been received by all christians, and in all ages.
If this rule be right, I fear it will utterly destroy all
fundamentals at once ; for, from the very times of the
Apostles, there have been teachers who have called
themselves christians, and yet have attempted to over-
throw some of the principal and most necessary things
in Christianity. Thus some have denied the Resur-
rection of the Body, and some that Jesus Christ is
come in the Flesh ;* some have affirmed, that the
ceremonies of the law are necessary to salvation, and
others have even denied the necessity of good works ;
as is evident from many places in the Epistles.
So that many of the teachers of those times, even of
those who called themselves christians, are said to be
antichrists, liars, false prophets, denying the Lord
that bought them. And every one knows, that not
long after, there arose many pestilent sects among
christians ; as the Gnosticks, the Marcionites, the
Manichees, who denied some doctrines of the utmost
importance, as the Unity of God, the necessity of
good works, and of suffering martyrdom in defence of
the truth when called to it. If this rule, therefore,

* 1 Cor. xv. 2 Tim. ii. 18. 1 John iv. 3.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 25

which we now oppose, be true, it will hardly leave
any thing at all that is fundamental.

5. Some limit the foundation of religion within
such narrow bounds, that they allow nothing to be a
fundamental, but to obey the divine precepts, and to
trust in the promises of the Gospel ; which is another
mark that we reject. We own, indeed, that obedi-
ence is the end, and therefore a principal part of
religion ; for as Christ told his disciples, " if ye know
these things, happy are ye if ye do them ;" and St.
Paul testifies, that " the end of the commandment is
charity ;" and St. James, " Pure religion and unde-
fined, is to visit the fatherless and widows, and to
keep one's self unspotted Iron; the world."* But if
we would speak accurately, we cannot say, that the
whole essence of religion does consist in obedience,
and trust in God, and in nothing else ; for there
must be some truths known by the light of nature,
and others revealed by God, upon which our obe-
dience and trust must be founded ; which do there-
fore make part of the foundation, according as St.
Paul teaches us in the forecited place. " He that
cometh to God, must believe that he is," &c.f And
Christ, " This is life eternal, to know thee, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. J

6. Some will have the Apostles' Creed, as it is
commonly called, to be the standard and measure of

* John. xiii. 17. 1 Tim. i. 5. James i. 27.
t Heb. xi. 6. X John xvil. 3.

3

2G FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

fundamentals ; and we do not deny but this hypothesis
comes the nearest to truth, of which more hereafter ;
yet for some reasons we cannot entirely acquiesce in
this opinion. For, First, it is agreed among learned
men, that this creed was not composed by the
Apostles, but long after their time, and that the
copies of it differed in some articles ; there is, there-
fore, no reason why so much authority should be
given to a human composure, though ever so ancient
and venerable, as that the terms of salvation should
be thought to depend upon it.* Secondly, neither

* Ambrose was the first, who is known to have attributed this
Creed to the Apostles about four hundred years after Christ ;
and Ruffinus not much later ascribes to it the same origin. Leo
Magnus, Jerom, John Cassian, and many other writers of celeb-
rity at that period, gave credit to Ambrose and Ruffinus, and
spoke of the Creed as the work of the Apostles. It even became
a popular notion, that every Apostle contributed apart; and in a
sermon ascribed to Austin, the Creed is divided into twelve
articles, and each article is assigned to its particular author.

But these accounts have long been known to be fabulous; and
although some articles of the Creed were early in use, no evi-
dence remains of any part having been the work of the Apostles,
or that it was considered as such before the commencement of
the fifth century. This Creed underwent many variations from
in to time, and in different churches it was usually clothed
with a different dress. There was the Grecian Creed used by
Irenseus, the Creeds of Carthage quoted by Tertullian, that of
Aquileia mentioned by Ruffinus, that of Ravenna, and that of
Turin explained by Maximus, and many others scattered through
the ancient writings. Each of these was called the Apostles'
Creed, although they differed essentially among themselves.
Ruffinus states, that the Descent into Hell was neither in the

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 2 I

does every thing inserted into this Creed seem to be
of so great importance, that a man cannot be saved
without the knowledge thereof. Thus, if a person
should be ignorant of what is there said of Christ's de-
scent into hell, of the name of Pontius Pilate, and some
other things, which were put in, in opposition to
some errors that are now out of date, it cannot
be thought that his salvation would be hazarded
hereby. Thirdly, on the other hand, there are some
things no less necessary to be known than to be
done, which yet are wanting in this Creed, namely,
those principles of religion, which direct and inform
our practice. Therefore, passing by these and such
like criterions, which are not founded upon sufficient
reason, we shall endeavour to produce some rules,
which seem to be better grounded, and may more
safely be depended upon.

Roman nor Oriental Creeds ; and bishops Burnet and Pearson
affirm, that this clause was not inserted till the fifth century. Nor
was the Communion of Saints found in any copy of the Creed
till about the same period ; and the clause, Life Everlasting, was
omitted in many copies while it was contained in others. The
Holy Church was first mentioned as an article of the Creed by
Tertullian in the third century. It was not till after the time of
Tertullian that this article was enlarged by inserting the word
Catholic.

These are some of the more prominent changes in the Creed,
after it became a symbol in general use among the churches.
Many others of minor importance might be enumerated, but
these are enough to prove its uncertain origin, and that it can
have no authority in settling the articles of Christian faith. See
King's History of the Apostles' Creed, Chap, ii, and v. — Pearson
on the Creed, Vol. i. p. 341 ; Vol. ii. p. 287. Ed

28 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

CHAP. IV.

Principles by which we may be able to distinguish
Fundamental Articles.

1 . Our first principle is this ; That we are not
under a necessary obligation to know, or believe any
truth, but what is clearly revealed unto us, and for
the belief of which, God hath indued us with necessary
abilities. This is a principle of the most undoubted
truth ; for who can conceive, that a most righteous
God, who has the tenderest concern for his creatures,
should require them to believe any thing, which he
has not revealed to them, and that clearly too, or
which they are under a natural incapacity of believ-
ing ? It is reported indeed of Caligula, among other
horrible cruelties, that he ordered his laws to be writ
in such small characters, and to be hung up at so
great a distance, that it was almost, if not altogether
impossible to read them ; and this he contrived on
purpose, that a greater number of offenders might
fall into his hands. But far be it from us, to ascribe
such a cruel and injurious way of proceeding to the
best and most righteous Being.

From this principle we may draw an inference
which is of very considerable weight, namely, That
fundamental articles are not the same to all men, but
differ according to the different degrees of revelation,
and according to the different capacities and circum-

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 29

stances of men. The reason is plain ; for since God
has made very different revelations of himself, and
has given very different capacities to men, and has
placed them in stations and circumstances that most
widely differ ; it is therefore impossible that all men
should be obliged to the same measure of knowledge,
or the same standard of faith.

2. Our second principle is this, That he alone,
who is Lord of life and death, that is, God, has poiv-
er to determine what is necessary to be believed in
order to obtain salvation, and what error shall cer-
tainly exclude men from it. This also is a very
plain principle, and none who seriously considers it,
can call it into question ; for who, I pray, has the
least pretensions to settle the terms of life and death,
but that " only Lawgiver, who is able to save and to
destroy ?"* From whence the Apostle makes this
demand, " Who art thou that judgest another ?"f

But since God has made known his will two way?,
by the light of nature, and by revelation, nothing
therefore ought to be reckoned a fundamental, but
what God has determined to be so, one of these two
ways.

And the light of nature discovers but very few
things in this matter ; little more than what the Apos-
tle takes notice of as a thing sufficiently known
thereby, That " he that comcth to God, must believe

* James iv. 12. t Compare Rom. xiv. 10.

30 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him."* And should a man be well
established in these two principles, and the things
which are plainly connected with them, and sincerely
endeavour to know the will of God, and to put in
practice what he did know ; I very much question
whether such a one could remain ignorant of any
principle, which can be proved necessary from the
light of nature.

But revelation goes further, and enjoins some
points to be believed as things necessary to salvation,
and dissuades us from believing others upon pain of
damnation. It tells us, that eternal life is placed in
the knowledge of certain truths ; that he who believes
them, does please God, is blessed, and shall be sav-
ed ; but he, who does not believe them, shall be
damned, cannot please God, is yet in his sins, and
the wrath of God abides upon him ; from which
places we may conclude, that these are fundamental
articles, and necessary to be known of all, to whom
the gospel is preached, and who are endued with
sufficient faculties to receive it.

3. But besides those points, which are expressly,
and in so many words, declared to be necessary ;
Those things likewise which flow from these principles,
by plain and necessary consequence, must be added to
the catcdogue of Fundamentals, or things necessary.
For plain and necessary consequences are of the same
* Heb, xi. 6.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 31

nature with their principles ; they are to be ranked
with them, and allowed to be of equal importance ;
nay, they are, as it were, contained in them, and
properly speaking do not differ from them. Thus,
upon granting the being of God, the chief attributes
of the deity do so plainly and necessarily result from
it, that they cannot but be thought to be of equal
moment with the principle itself.

But let it be observed, that we speak only of
plain and necessary consequences ; for it would be
very unreasonable to rank doubtful, or obscure, or
remote consequences, with the principles themselves,
and to show an equal regard to them ; for at this rate,
all things would be put upon the same bottom, and
there would be no end of fundamental articles.

And this seems to us the true and only way, by
which we may clearly and safely distinguish funda-
mental articles from others, namely, by the discov-
ery of the divine will, and the declarations of God
himself, either in express words, or by plain and
necessary consequence ; for, as has been already
observed, who shall pretend to settle the terms of
salvation and damnation ? Who shall pretend to
make laws concerning these things, but he, and he
alone, who has power to save, and power to destroy ?
And, therefore, they who impose upon christians,
things as fundamental, which God has not revealed,
or which are doubtful and obscure, as the church of
Rome does, and others who follow her steps ; th(

32 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

whoever they are, act tyrannically, and arrogantly
claim that authority to themselves, which belongs to
God only.

But though this be the chief, if not the only mark
of fundamental articles, yet, that we may more easily
and certainly distinguish them, we shall subjoin some
other principles.

4. Fundamentals are plain, adapted to common
capacities, and free from all the subtile and intricate
distinctions of the schools. The reason is evident ;
for since religion does equally concern all men, and
is no less designed for common people than for the
learned, yea, it may be more ; whatever therefore
does exceed the capacity of the vulgar, is upon that
account not to be reckoned fundamental, or neces-
sary. Religion certainly differs from scholastic
niceties as much as any thing ; the scripture was
given by poor plain men, and it is given to such.
Christ gives thanks, that " these things were hid
from the wise and prudent, and revealed unto
babes ;" and St. Paul tells us, that there were " not
many wise" among the Corinthians ; by which he
diligently admonishes us to distinguish carefully the
doctrines of heaven from the wisdom of the world.
So that, to use the words of Hilary, " the faith lies
in great plainness of speech ; for God does not call
us to happiness by difficult and knotty questions, nor
does he persuade us by various turns of oratory and
eloquence. Eternity lies in a plain and narrow com-

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 33

pass ; to believe that God raised Jesus Christ from
the dead, and to confess that he is Lord."*

5. Fundamentals are few in number. This
principle is founded upon the same reason as the
former ; for the minds of common people would be
as much confounded by a multitude, as by the diffi-
culty of articles. Therefore it has pleased divine
goodness to comprise them in a narrow compass ;
that, as St. Austin says, " The plainness of them
might suit the simplicity of the hearers ; that the
shortness of them might be accommodated to their
memories, and that the fulness of them might make
amends for their want of learning." And so Casau-
bon, in the name of king James I. of Great Britain,
writes thus, " The king thinks it very right, in the
explication of things simply necessary to salvation, to
say, that the number of them is not great."f

G. Fundamentals are very often and various
ways repeated and inculcated in scripture. This is
a rule that we infer from the goodness and conde-
scension of God ; for since scripture is given for this
end only, to make us wise to salvation, it cannot be
doubted but those things, that chiefly tend hereunto,
are frequently proposed in scripture, and strongly
urged upon us. In any other sciences, honest and
skilful masters do not use to pass over slightly
and hastily the first principles ; but frequently repeat

* Hilarius de Trinitate, L. 10. in fin.

| Casaub. Epist. ad Card. Perron.

34 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

and inculcate them, till they find they are clearly
understood, and have taken fast root in the minds
of their scholars. And who can doubt but God,
the supreme and infinitely wise instructer of men,
does use the like caution and prudence in giving
them his heavenly precepts ?

7. Fundamentals are principles of piety ; that is,
they do not only not contradict the practice of godli-
ness, but, on the contrary, are useful, and even neces-
sary to promote it. And, truly, the end of religion
is nothing else but to make us holy. This is the
design of the whole gospel ; herein the mysteries,
the precepts, the promises, and threatnings of it do
all centre ; upon which account the gospel is called,
" The mystery of godliness, a doctrine which is
according to godliness ;" and we are assured that
nothing else will avail us but the new creature, or
obedience to the commandments of God. Hence
then it follows, that whatsoever is of no use to pro-
mote godliness, for that very reason is not a funda-
mental truth ; and on the other hand, that whatever
destroys godliness, or is inconsistent therewith, is a
fundamental error. But let it be observed, we do
not say, that whatever may conduce to godliness, is
therefore a fundamental ; for there are many things
which may be pious, or at least have the appearance
of piety, that are not at all essential to Christianity ;
nay, and if thoroughly examined into, some of them
would not be found true, of which sort are the many

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION'. 35

fables and figments of men's brains ; which the
experience of all ages abundantly shows.

8. A thing may often be fundamental itself
though the mode and circumstances of it are not so.
This follows from the foregoing principles ; for when
a thing is only revealed to us in general, and enjoined
us by God as necessary, then the thing itself only is
to be accounted a fundamental without its mode and
circumstances, which are not revealed with equal
evidence, or the like marks of necessity. And,
indeed, there are very few things, especially in divin-
ity, the mode and circumstances of which we can
thoroughly understand, li, therefore, the mode and
circumstances, the causes and adjuncts of a thing,
are to be accounted fundamental, it will follow that
abundance of things, of which we can have no clear
perceptions, and which do far exceed our capacities,
are nevertheless fundamental, contrary to what has
been observed in principles first and fourth.

9. Persons may err fundamentally two ways ;
not only by expressly denying a thing that is funda-
mental, but also by adding to, or building something
upon the foundation that does really weaken and over-1
turn it. This principle we have already treated of
in chapter first, and the reason of it is evident ; for
it is not sufficient to acknowledge fundamental truths
with our lips, if we actually overturn them by posi-
tions or actions contrary to them. Thus, what can
it signify for a man to profess that God only is to bo

36 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

worshipped, if at the same time he does actually
worship creatures, as saints and angels, images,
crosses, and the like, after the manner of the
heathens themselves .?

10. To these principles, which seem to con-
tribute not a little towards a right distinguishing of
fundamentals, let us only add one more, which may
serve as a rule to manage and form our judgments,
both of ourselves and others ; namely, With respect
to ourselves, our safest way is to beware and guard
against all, even the smallest errors, as if they
were fundamental ; and to make the utmost progress
in the knowledge of divine truths ; but with regard
to others, we ought to pronounce nothing but with
the utmost caution, the greatest charity, and meekness.
For, as prudence directs men to use the greatest
care and diligence in providing for their own safety ;
so, on the contrary, christian charity will not suffer
a man to condemn others, and charge them with
damnable errors, till he is compelled to it by the
irresistible evidence of the thing itself, and of the
oracles of God ; and then not without unwillingness
and great reluctance.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 37

CHAP. V.

On the exact number of Fundamental Articles.

This question is a very perplexed one, yet ought
not to be wholly omitted by us, namely, Whether the
exact and precise number of fundamental articles can
be determined'? We doubt not, but those articles
may be sufficiently distinguished by every one for
bis own private use and instruction ; and, according-
ly, have laid down rules in the foregoing chapter,
which will help us to a knowledge of them ; but to
reduce them to a certain and definite number, so as
to be able to say there are neither more nor less, is
more than we, together with all protestant divines,
think to be either necessary or possible, for the fol-
lowing reasons.

1 . Because these articles are not the same to all
men ; some were fundamental under the Old Testa-
ment, others are so under the New. Some are fun-
damental to those, who have the use of their senses
and reason ; others, to infants, children, deaf persons,
and those of a weak understanding. Some arc
fundamental to those who enjoy a perfect liberty of
hearing the word of God ; others are so to multitudes
in the world, from whom the gospel is in a great
measure hid, as thousands of peasants inhabiting the
villages of Spain and Portugal. Some are funda-
mental to beginners, and as it were children in Christ ;
4

38 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

others to persons of a greater proficiency, such as
those Jews ought to have been, whom the Apostle
reproves for their dulness in learning.* So that, as
it would be absurd to expect that one common gar-
ment should suit all statures, or the same portion of
food all appetites, or the same degrees of labour all
artists ; so it is impossible to fix a certain number of
articles necessary to be known of all men.

2. Because these articles are sometimes fewer
and more general, sometimes more numerous and
particular ; which depends upon the different method
of conceiving and distinguishing things. Thus in scrip-
ture we find, that things necessary to salvation are some-
times reduced to a single head, sometimes to two,
sometimes to more. In one place we are told, that
nothing is necessary to be known by us, " save Christ
crucified"f ; in another, that eternal life consists in
knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he
hath sent. J Sometimes all things are referred to
Chrisfs resurrection alone; at other times only to
his coming in the flesh. Sometimes faith alone is
required ; at other times faith and repentance ;
sometimes faith that ivories by love ; sometimes a
new creature; and sometimes the whole law is said
to be fulfilled in charity only. All which sufficiently
shews, that things necessary to salvation are some-
times reduced to fewer heads, and at other times
divided into more ; and therefore cannot be fixed to

* Heb. v. 12. 1 1 Cor. ii. 2. % John xvii. 3.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 39

a certain number, which shall always necessarily
remain the same.

3. Because it may oftentimes be justly question-
ed, whether any particular doctrine ought to be
placed among fundamentals, as a consequence drawn
from an important place of scripture, or a particular
exposition of some general doctrine. Examples
might be brought from moral subjects. Thus, many
difficult questions have been started about usury,
lying, gaming, of the measure we ought to observe
in giving alms, and many other such things. And
if so many difficulties arise about subjects of a prac-
tical nature, how should it be otherwise in matters
that are speculative ? And who, but a person of
consummate assurance, would venture to determine
the exact weight and importance of each of these
questions, and to settle their precise bounds, with
respect to our salvation or damnation ?

4. As it cannot certainly be determined, what is
the exact pitch of virtue, or just how many sorts of
duties, what number of good works, pious discourses,
and almsdeeds, are necessarily required of every
man, that he may be saved ; so neither can such
weak and imperfect creatures as we are, without the
utmost arrogance, pretend to determine precisely,
what degrees of knowledge are absolutely requisite
hereunto. Let them tell us what are the farthest
lengths allowable in these things ; let them mark out
the exact bounds of things necessary, and unneces*

40 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

sary, who can comprehend the divine perfections,
and know the utmost limits of the justice and mercy
of God. For our part, we freely own it is far above
our reach to do it. And here, to use the words of
the famous Witsius, " Sometimes divine grace does
join the elect to Christ, by a very slender thread ;
and yet the brightest flames of love to God, and the
most sincere desires to please him, may be kindled
in those souls that have but a very poor knowledge
of articles of faith. And who is he, that without the
determinations of God, can himself exactly deter-
j mine that least single point in each article, by which
the divine tribunal is indispensably obliged to pro-
ceed."*

5. What has been said concerning religion, and
the necessary articles of it, may be illustrated from
other arts and sciences. Who, for instance, ever
told us precisely, how many truths are necessary to
6e known, to get a man a reputation in logic, or
mathematics, or law ? Or who has ever determined
the precise quantity of food, and no more, that is
necessary to support life ? And yet there is no
great danger of our being starved for want of this
knowledge. Or who has ever told us how many
sorts of food, and how many sorts of poisons there
are in the world ? And yet without knowing it, we
may take our food safely enough, and sufficiently
guard against being poisoned. And why may not

* Wits, in Symb. Apost. Exercit. II. § 15.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

41

the same judgment be allowed concerning saving
truths, and poisonous errors ?

But, perhaps, some will say, how can the con-
science of a christian be easy, without being satisfied
in this inquiry, How many truths precisely he ought
to know, that he may be saved ? I will answer in a
word. Let a man but sincerely love truth, and seek
it heartily, begging help from God, and making use
of those who are capable of giving him light ; and
let him not omit, or neglect any proper means, that
he may make continual progress in the ways of truth
and holiness ; and such a one may certainly con-
clude, that God will not be wanting to him, nor suf-
fer him to continue ignorant of any thing necessary
for him to know ; or if he is ignorant of any matter,
or does err and mistake in some things, God will
graciously pardon him, even as a father does his
children.

CHAP. VI.

On Church Communion bctivecn those who differ
in Fundamentals.

We arc now to consider how we ought to con-
duct ourselves, either towards those who differ from
us in fundamentals, or towards those who differ in
things not fundamental .
4*

42 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

As to the former, there is no doubt but that all
just and proper means ought to be used with them,
to convince them of their errors, and to bring them
to a sound mind ; but if these prove ineffectual, and
we cannot converse with them, without apparent
danger of being infected ourselves, we ought not
only to abstain from the private conversation of such
persons, but also from their Church Communion.

There are several express commands in scrip-
ture to this purpose, besides many weighty reasons,
which might be brought to confirm it.

Among other places of scripture, these are very
evident. " Though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel unto you than that which we
have preached unto you, let him be accursed."*
" Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbeliev-
ers ; for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness ? And what communion hath light
with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with
Belial ? Or what part hath he that believeth with an
infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of God
with idols ?"f These words are indeed primarily
meant of unbelievers and heathen idolaters ; but yet,
they may equally be understood of those, who imi-
tate the heathen in their idolatry and superstition.
" Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which
cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine
which ye have learned, and avoid them." " If any
• Gal. i. 8.9, t 2 Cor. vi. 14. 15,

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 43

man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome
words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
to the doctrine, which is according to godliness, he
is proud, knowing nothing ; from such withdraw
thyself." " An heretic, after the first and second
admonition, reject." " If there come any unto you
and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your
house, neither bid him God speed ; for he that bid-
deth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds."
" And I heard another voice from heaven, s;i\ iiig,
come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers
of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."*
And there are sevenil weighty reasons, which
might be brought to confirm this matter ; from the
nature of the church ; from the regard we owe to
God ; from the decency and order of divine wor-
ship ; from the care we ought to take of our own
souls ; from (he obligation we are under to do all we
can towards recovering the erroneous, and to give a
good example to others. But these things we can
but barely mention, consistent with our designed
brevity.

* Rom. xvi. 17. 1 Tim. vi. 3, 4. 5. Tit. iii. 10. 2 John, 10, 11.
Rev. xviii. 4.

44 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

CHAP. VII.

On Church Communion, and mutual forbearance,
between those who differ not in Fundamentals.

The case is much otherwise with respect to
those who differ only in points not fundamental. It
were indeed greatly to be desired, that there was no
disagreement at all among christians, and that the
truths of God were equally discovered and known of
all men ; but since this is never to be expected,
because of the variety of men's minds, the different
methods of education, and the frailty of human
understanding ; that which comes the nearest to it,
is, that we should endeavour to secure the essence
of religion, and then patiently bear with one another
in all the rest ; and that persons, who differ in
things not fundamental, should regard each other as
brethren, and maintain church communion together,
and shew a christian forbearance on all sides. To
this purpose there are plain texts of scripture, and
many other arguments of the greatest force. .

And among other places of scripture where such
forbearance is enjoined, the fourteenth chapter and
part of the fifteenth of the Epistle to the Romans,
deserve our greatest regard ; where the Apostle,
taking occasion from the differences that arose
among the primitive christians, about the ceremonies
of the law, and the distinctions of meats and days,

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 45

commands that the weak in faith, that is those who
had not right sentiments of these things, should nev-
ertheless be received by the rest as brethren, and
admitted as true members of the church, not despised
nor condemned^ but their infirmities tolerated.* And
that he might bring the Roman christians to such a
temper, he argues with them so affectionately, so
strongly and copiously, and draws such odious con-
sequences from the contrary practice, shewing them
that hereby the authority of God himself would be
invaded, that those for whom Christ died would be
destroyed, and that the work of God would be
destroyed, as plainly shows how much he had this at
heart, and that this forbearance of disagreeing parties
ought to be ranked among the first, and most im-
portant duties of the christian religion.

And not only in that place, but in several parts
of his Epistles, he earnestly recommends the same
duty. Thus in Chap. viii. 9, 10, of the first Epistle
to the Corinthians, discoursing of things sacrificed to
idols, he shows that christians, who had not right
sentiments, ought not only to be patiently borne
with, but that others ought to accommodate them-
selves to their weakness ; and testifies of himself,
that this was his own practice ; " For though I am
free from all men, yet have I made myself servant
unto all, that I might gain the more ; and unto the
Jews 1 became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews;

• Rom. xiv. 1. 3, 4, 10. xv. 1.

46 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

to them that are under the law, as under the law,
that I might gain them that are under the law ; to
them that are without law, as without law ; to the
weak became I as weak, that I might gain the
weak ; I am made all things to all men, that I might
by all means save some."* And in the following
verses he signifies that he was obliged thus to act, in
order to his being partaker of the heavenly reward.
Whence it follows, that let a man be ever so religious,
and take ever so much pains in preaching the gospel,
yet if at the same time he wants this gentleness and
forbearance towards his brethren, who differ from
him, he can neither be accepted of God, nor obtain
salvation at last.

And who that reads the excellent commendation
of charity, with which the whole thirteenth chapter
of that Epistle is taken up, can choose but be excited
to practise this duty of forbearance ? Some of the
chief characters there given of charity, are, " that it
suffereth long, that it beareth all things, believeth all
things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. "f And
if this description be given with respect to the vices
of men, and their defects in goodness, it is certainly
no less applicable to errors, especially to light ones,
and such as do not at all affect the foundation of
religion.

It is true, indeed, that the Apostle, in his Epistle
fo the Galatians, is very severe against some false
* 1 Cor. ix. 19, 20, 21. 22. t xiii. 4, 7.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 47

teachers ; which yet does not weaken, but really
confirm the necessity of this forbearance and tolera-
tion. For those teachers were themselves against
tolerating others, and would have the ceremonies of the
law imposed upon all christians, as things necessary to
salvation ; by which means the christian faith would
have been greatly corrupted. And at the same
time, that he so sharply inveighs against these teach-
ers, he is very large in recommending charity and
forbearance, even so great a diversity of opinions as
this was,* and commands, that they who were
overtaken in a fault, should be restored in the spirit
of meekness ; and that they should bear one
another's burdens. f And at last, when he had told
them that the essence of Christianity did not consist
in circumcision, or uncircumcision, that is, in observ-
ing or omitting the ceremonies of the law, but in the
new creature, that is, in true and real holiness ; he
adds these words, wherein he most affectionately
desires, as well as commands, a mutual forbearance
among persons, who differ in things not funda-
mental ; " and as many as walk according to this
rule," that is, that agree in the essentials of Christi-
anity, and form their lives according to this rule,
" peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the
Israel of God. "J If, therefore, the Apostle does
pray for peace, and promises mercy to such per-
sons, is it not unreasonable to condemn them, to
* Gal. v. 13. 14, 15. t Gal. vi. 1, 2. \ Gal. vi. 15, Ifi.

48 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

send them to the pit of hell, or to exclude them
from the Communion of the Church ?

But there is no place where this forbearance or
toleration of persons disagreeing only in things not
fundamental, is more plainly enjoined, than that
which has been already cited out of the Epistle to
the Philippians,* where every one may see that
the Apostle would have christians walk by the same
rule in things whereto they have attained, that is, in
fundamentals ; and to mind the same thing ; but if
in any thing they were otherwise minded, to wait
till God should please to reveal it to those, who were
in an error, and bring them to a more perfect
knowledge of the truth ; yet, in the mean time,
holding fast the bond of christian fellowship and
charity with one another. In like manner, that
pathetic exhortation to love and unity, which we
have in the beginning of the second chapter of the
same Epistle, is given for the same end. And lastly,
the Apostle enjoins it upon christians, " to let their
moderation be known unto all men ;"f that is, their
meekness and gentleness in bearing the infirmities
and deficiencies of others.

And no doubt these exhortations " to forbear one
another with all lowliness and meekness, to keep the
unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, to speak the
truth in love, to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger,
clamour, evil speaking, and* to put on bowels of mer-
* Phil. Hi. 15, 16. t Phil. iv. 5.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 49

ties, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long
suffering, that so they might forbear one another,
and forgive one another ;"* no doubt, I say, but
these, and such like exhortations, of which all the
Epistles are full, were principally designed to lay
the heats and contentions between the judaizing and
other christians, with which the churches of those
times were greatly molested ; the proper remedy
for which, if we regard the Apostles, was nothing
else but mutual forbearance, which christians ought
to exercise when differing from one another.

And if we turn our thoughts to the following
circumstances, we shall plainly perceive of how
great weight these things are, to recommend the
like forbearance among christians in these days.
First, the Apostles were infallible, and if they would
not attempt to compose these differences, by exerting
their authority, but chose to recommend forbearance
on both sides, how much more should we take the like
course, who have not the least pretences to infalli-
bility ? Secondly, the dispute was not about a trifle,
but a very weighty affair, even the difference be-
tween the law and the. Gospel ; a thing that did not
consist in mere speculation, but had a great influ-
ence both upon practice and worship. Alas ! how
many trivial controversies, in comparison of this, do
sour the minds of christians in these days ? Thirdly.
both sides were furnished with very considerable
Ephes. iv. 2, 3, 13, 31, 32. Col. iii. 12, 13.

5

50 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

arguments, the one a law given by God, the other
the defence of christian liberty. Fourthly, St. Paul
himself, who so strenuously urged this forbearance,
had before such a flaming zeal for the law, that he
was even mad for it. Lastly, these precepts of for-
bearance were given after the vision from heaven to
Peter, and after the Apostolic synod ; so that these
controversies had been sufficiently determined al-
ready by this vision, and by the decree of the
Apostles. Whoever, therefore, shall seriously con-
sider these circumstances, and weigh them impar-
tially, cannot surely but conclude, that these Apos-
tolical precepts of forbearance, if they had any
weight in their times, ought to have much more in
our times, and in the present controversies.

In short, wherever Christ and his Apostles
recommend charity, meekness, or the love of peace j
and on the contrary dissuade us from contentions,
quarrels, and schisms ; in all those places, it is most
certain that this forbearance is enjoined upon us.
But that the necessity of it may more clearly appear,
we shall add to these testimonies of scripture, some
reasons of very great weight which we shall but just
mention, and leave the fuller explication of them to
the judicious and pious reader.

1. It is our duty to cultivate communion with all
the disciples of Christ ; for Christ will have all his
disciples to be one,* and the church is represented
* John xvii. 21, 22. 23.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 51

as one body, in several places of scripture. There-
fore, communion ought to be maintained with all
those whom we do not know to be unworthy of the
name of christians ; and certainly they cannot be
accounted unworthy of it, who hold all the fundamen-
tals, and differ from us only in things which are not
fundamental.

2. Those things wherein christians do agree,
who are united in fundamentals, are things of so
great importance and dignity, that all other things
are not considerable enough to disturb their peace,
and to separate them from one another. This
argument the Apostle pursues with a great deal of
life and spirit, in the Epistle to the Ephesians ; and
nothing, I think, can more effectually press this duty
of forbearance, than what he there saith ; " I, the
prisoner of the Lord, beseech you, that ye walk
worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with
all lowliness, and meekness, with long suffering,
forbearing one another in love ; endeavouring to
keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace."
For, adds he, "There is one body and one spirit,
even as ye are called in one hope of your calling ;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism ; one God, and
Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and
in you all."* If persons agree with us in such
things as these, and are impressed with the weight
and importance of them as they ought to be, we
* Epb. iv. 1,2,3,4,5,6.

52 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

shall be injurious to ourselves, and reflect dishonour
upon Christ, if we refuse to own and esteem them
as brethren.

3. Without this forbearance, which we recom-
mend, it is impossible that any peace or unity should
continue long in the church ; for there are but two
ways of obtaining peace, either by uniformity of
opinion, or by exercising forbearance towards those
who err in smaller matters. The former is an im-
practicable thing ; for such is the variety of men's
minds, their education and capacities so different,
and things themselves do often appear in such differ-
ent views, that for all persons to have just the same
sentiments in all points, is a thing utterly to be
despaired of. It has never yet been seen from the
first beginnings of the church unto the present times,
nor ever will to the world's end. We must, there-
fore, have recourse to forbearance of those, who err
in lesser matters, if ever we desire to see the church
enjoy peace and tranquillity.

4. Either we are to break oft' communion for
all and every diversity of opinion, or for some only.
No one will say the former j for, at this rate, there
would be as many churches and sects in the world,
as there are private christians. But if for some
only, what other bounds or distinction can be settled
than this, that those things, which belong to the
essence and foundation of religion, should be invio-
lablv adhered unto : but those things, which do not

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 5a

concern the foundation, should he left as matters of
forbearance ?

5. Either we believe, that those who differ from
us in things not fundamental, are odious to God, and
shall be damned, or we do not. And, certainly, it
would discover a very bitter spirit, and the utmost
rashness, to judge the former ; but if we believe the
latter, why should we hate and reject them ? If we
believe that God does accept them as children, why
should not we regard them as brethren ? If we
believe they will praise God with us in heaven, why
>hould we be unwilling that they should worship him
with us on earth ?

G. Either we believe, that all things in religion
are at present fully made known, and that there is
no room left for any further discoveries ; or we
believe, that there may be some improvements of
knowledge, and that it is possible some amendments
may be made to the common received opinions.
To say the former would be exceeding rash, and a
supposition not consistent with the state of human
affairs ; nay, such a piece of intolerable pride, as
has always met with indignation from men truly
learned ; for noiv ivc know but in part, and prophecy
in part, as the Apostle says. If, therefore, improve-
ments may yet be made, we ought by all means to
bear patiently with those that offer us any thine:
new ; for otherwise we suppress all improvements,
and stifle the gift of prophecy, and bring in sloth and
5*

54 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

barbarity ; for who will attempt any thing of this
kind, when it becomes dangerous to do it .?

7. The want of this forbearance does not really
remove differences of opinion, but only makes per-
sons, who differ from the received notions, conceal
their sentiments, yea, and very often speak contrary
to the sense of their minds ; which is such a reproach
to good men, and especially to ministers of the gos-
pel, as can never be sufficiently lamented. But it
will be said, that this is their fault who do so ; and
undoubtedly it is ; but yet they can never be
thought innocent, who, by rigorous severities, lay
such strong temptations before men to hypocrisy.

8. Toleration is the greatest friend to truth, and
the contrary its greatest enemy ; for if the strong
will not bear with the weak, neither will the weak
bear with the strong ; for every man counts himself
strong, and thus all will come to condemn, and to
execute one another ; by which means, truth itself
will be banished out of many parts of the world.
On the contrary, if toleration did every where pre-
vail, truth would have its full scope, and easily gain
ground, by the force of its own arguments.

9. Gentleness and forbearance are the most
likely method to bring those that err, to an acknowl-
edgment of the truth, and the contrary method no
less likely to hinder both their instruction and
amendment ; for by condemning and banishing them
from our communion, we make them hate us, and

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 55

suspect every thing whatever we offer to them ;
but if we deal gently with them, and cease not to
own them as brethren, they will regard us as their
friends, and more readily and impartially consider
what we propose for their conviction.

10. From want of this forbearance, arise hatred,
strife, quarrels, and schisms in churches and univer-
sities, and tumults in civil society. Perhaps it may
be said, that schisms are more likely to arise from
the toleration of different opinions ; but if the thing
be duly considered, it will appear that all these evils
have arisen not from toleration or forbearance, which
is in itself a meek and harmless thing, but from a
contrary spirit, which, if once laid aside, persons
might at any time entertain different sentiments, and
yet preserve a hearty love for one another.

11. Private christians, but especially ministers,
who are engaged and taken up in these controversies,
are obliged to neglect several things, wherein their
labour might be employed to much better purpose,
and where it is more needed ; but especially the
life of religion docs greatly suffer and decay by this
means.

12. Want of this forbearance does make the
different sects of christians forget to stand up for
one another, and so to disregard, and even give up
the common interest. Therefore, the emperor
Julian, that he might engage christians in their

56 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

mutual destruction, sent for the chief heads of the
different sects, and set them on quarrelling together ;
knowing well enough, as Ammianus Marcellinus
testifies, " That no savage beasts are more cruel to
men, than most christians are to others."* And,
surely, no one can be ignorant, how much the
protestant cause has been weakened by intestine
divisions.

13. These differences and animosities give great
offence. Wicked men take occasion from them to
scoff at Christianity, and say that christians have no
such thing as certainty in what they believe ; but
are continually quarrelling, and tearing one another
to pieces, upon controversies of every kind. It is
sufficiently known, with what boast and insult, a late
sceptic attacked the various schemes concerning
predestination, and made his use of the too great
rigor with which that argument is generally treated.

14. They, who are against tolerating errors,
which are not fundamental, must think themselves
infallible ; for, if they thought themselves liable to
err, they would also think, that they stood as much
in need of forbearance as other persons ; and, there-
fore, would readily allow the same privilege to
others, and say with the poet, Hanc veniam petimus-
que damusque vicissim.-f

* Ammianus Marcellinus, Lib. xx'u. cap. 5,
t Hor. Ars Poet. Ver. 11.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. -i'i

15. If indulgence ought to be allowed to faults
and crimes of a lesser nature, which none will deny,
why not also to errors of equal degree ? What !
are moral vices and crimes of a less heinous and
offensive nature, than inaccurate notions about
things sublime and obscure, which sometimes only
reside in the understanding, without having any evil
influence upon practice ?

16. Besides, the necessity of this forbearance is
confirmed from the example of God himself, who
does, with such admirable patience and goodness,
bear with the infirmities of men, and who has mani-
fested remarkable gentleness and forbearance in all
his revelations and dispensations. When he accom-
modated himself to the gross notions of the Jews,
and treated and argued with them after the man-
ner of men, what was this but the most gracious
condescension, in bearing with their childish notions,
till he had brought them to more manly thoughts ?
And every considerate person will find more instan-
ces than one, of this nature in the christian revela-
tion.

17. This forbearance is also enforced by the
example of Christ. How many errors did he bear
with in his Apostles and disciples, until the spirit
descended like fire upon them, and purged them
away ? As their errors about the nature of his
kingdom, about his death, ceremonies, and the call-
ing of the gentiles. The Apostles in many cases

58 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

had but little faith ; and yet with admirable gentle-
ness and patience, he bears with their weak faith.

18. This forbearance is also recommended to us
from the example of the Apostles, who, though they
were infallible, as we have seen before, yet exercised
forbearance themselves, and enjoined the practice of
it upon others.

19. And herein they were imitated by their suc-
cessors, the fathers of the primitive church, at least
by the best and wisest of them, whose many differ-
ences of opinions, and rites, did not disturb the
peace of the churches ; as particularly Socrates has
shown.* And, therefore, if any arose, who too
rigorously condemned their brethren, and refused
them communion ; as Victor about the observation of
Easter, and Stephen in the dispute concerning the
baptism of heretics ; others stood up and op-
posed such unchristian attempts, and never scrupled
to rebuke them sharply for such things. I confess
persecution gained ground, with other evils that
sprung up in the church, till at last anathemas and
excommunications were thundered out for the
merest trifles, without end ; and what innumerable
evils arose from hence, every one knows. But
Christ never gave his disciples any such instructions ;
and the first and best teachers of Christianity took no
such methods.

* Hist. Eceles. Lib. v. cap. 22;

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 59

Lastly, to add no more, the divines of latter
times, who have justly been reputed men of learn-
ing and wisdom, do all agree with us in this matter.
I shall only mention two out of abundance, the one
of Zurich, the other of Bern. The former is the
famous John Wirtzius, who, in the middle of the
last century, was professor of divinity in the univer-
sity of Zurich. He says, " The foundation of the fel-
lowship and communion of saints upon earth, is ' the
one God and Father, one Lord, one faith, one bap-
tism ;' and consequently, a consent and agreement
in fundamental articles of faith. So that where this
foundation is not, or where this agreement in funda-
mental articles is wanting, there cannot be that fel-
lowship and communion of saints which we make
profession of in the Apostles' creed ; but the words
of St. John do then take place, ' If any come unto
you, and bring not this doctrine,' &c. But where
the unity of the foundation, and of christian faith
does stand firm and unshaken, there is a communion
and fellowship of saints, and there it ought to be,
and to continue firm, and not at all be shaken, by
a disagreement in this or the other point, which do
not directly overturn the foundation ; as also in rites
and ceremonies. For as all differences do not utterly
destroy the church, but only those that overturn the
foundation of faith ; in like manner all differences
do not dissolve the fellowship and communion of
saints, but only those that directly shake and weaken

00

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

the foundation of faith in whole or in part." And
presently after ; " In short, agreement in fundamen-
tals, or doctrines necessary to salvation, is requisite
to the communion of saints ; also in things not funda-
mental, in difficult questions, nay, even in rites and
ceremonies, agreement would be amiable, and greatly
to be desired. But in this imperfect state, and in
so great a variety of particular churches, of the
customs of places, and of human capacities, it is not
to be expected ; yet the communion of saints may
continue firm, as long as their consent in funda-
mentals does so continue."* Whence he concludes,
that the reformed churches may, and ought to come
to a union among themselves.

The other is also a man of great note, Bene-
dictus Aretius, a divine of Bern, who lived at the
age of the reformation. He, speaking of the unity of
the church, tells us, " That it consists in an agree-
ment in the chief articles of true religion, notwith-
standing diversity of gifts ;" and repeats it again,
" That the unity of the church consists in an agree-
ment in the chief articles of faith ;" and goes on
thus ; " We call those the chief articles of faith,
which are necessary to salvation, and which are
expressly contained in the creed. To come to an
agreement in these, is what we call union ; in other
things, where persons cannot come to an agreement,
diversity of opinions must be allowed ; yea, further,
* Disquis. Theol. dr. Sanctorum Communione, § 61, 62, 67, 70.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 01

we may freely own our ignorance in these matters,
as St. Austin says, ' It is no reproach to a christian
to confess his ignorance in abundance of cases ;'
which makes against those, who insist upon universal
consent, even in the most minute questions, and
unless a person will subscribe to every point, are
prepared with their thunderbolts, heresies, sects,
excommunications, nay, prisons, and death. It were
easy to produce proper instances hereof, if there was
need ; but we know this was never the method
approved of by the true church, only some malignant
spirits have kindled such flames, that they might
obtain the pre-eminence. But let them consider,
what an absurd and impossible thing they require ;
for there never was so perfect and finished a genius
in the world, to whose judgment all learned men
could see reason to subscribe, and to conform their
own private sentiments. And the diversity of gifts
seems to speak the same thing ; for what if I have
not that light that you have, or you that I have, or
neither of us what a third hath, shall wc therefore go
to persecute one another for our different apprehen-
sions of things ? No ! Religion allows no such
thing. But if wc examine the thing more thoroughly,
this diversity of opinions sometimes has its advanta-
ges ; for hereby men's abilities are excited, the
reason of things is more duly considered, scripture
is more carefully examined and compared with
itself, arguments are more impartially weighed, and
f>

62 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

posterity comes to understand and believe what at
first was thought to be absurd."* Thus excellently
well does he argue.

But we are not insensible, that several things
may be objected against this forbearance of persons,
who disagree with each other, that we have been
pleading for ; which yet may so easily be confuted
from what has been already said, that we need not
slay particularly to answer them. We shall only
observe two things in the general ; one is, that
whatever is objected against toleration, or forbear-
ance, is objected also against scripture itself, and
particularly against the Apostle Paul, who so earnestly
maintained and recommended it to us ; the other is,
that if any inconveniences should happen to attend
such a toleration, or forbearance, let it be remem-
bered, there are more, and greater by far, that attend
the contrary ; which is not an ungrounded assertion,
but abundantly confirmed by the experience of all
ages, as all who are acquainted with the state of the
church in ancient or latter times, will readily own.

* Problematum Tkeologicorum parte HI. cap. de Concordia
Ecclesiae.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 63

CHAP. V11I.

Fundamental difference between Protestants and the
Church of Rome.

What has been hitherto said, has been mostly
in generals ; we will now briefly propose an instance
of a fundamental difference, and another of a differ-
ence not fundamental ; both which we shall take
from the neighbouring and most considerable soci-
eties of christians in the world. And hereby the use
and application of the rules, which we have laid
down, will be made to appear.

There is not a more striking instance of the
former any where to be met with, than in our sepa-
ration from the Church of Rome, which before we go
about to explain, there needs a few things to be
cleared. First, to form a right judgment of the
Romish religion, we are not to regard the senti-
ments of this, or that private man, or of this or thai
private doctor ; but we are to regard public acts,
decrees of councils, which, in their account, have the
authority of law ; and the constant usage of their
church, which has never been condemned, but care-
fully enjoined and applauded. Secoiidly, it must be
owned, the papists do admit all the fundamental
points of the christian religion, but yet by another
way, which has been already taken notice of, do
effectually strike at the foundation itself, by adding

64 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

to, or building such things upon the foundation, as
do loosen, and in a great measure destroy it.
Thirdly, yet all the errors of the papists are not of
the same consequence 5 some, indeed, are tolerable,
but others cannot by any means be borne with.
Fourthly, we must also distinguish between different
times ; for some things might very well be borne with,
at a time when there was less light, and errors were
not so thoroughly established, and a greater liberty
was allowed men to differ ; which things at another
time, and in other circumstances, would be perfectly
intolerable, after greater light had shined forth,
and greater advantages were given to discover the
truth ; and after those things, which formerly were
left free and undetermined, were passed into the
form of a law. Fifthly, we must make a great dif-
ference between our judging of men, and our judg-
ing of things ; and, indeed, the best way is to pass
no judgment at all upon men, but to leave them to
the judgment of God, unless we have uncontestable
evidence to go by. But we are allowed to judge
freely of things, of doctrines, of worship, and disci-
pline, from the word of God.

These things being premised, we shall briefly
offer the following arguments to show that our dis-
sent from the church of Rome is fundamental, and
consequently that we can have no communion witfy
her, as matters now stand.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 65

1. Since they require us to believe, and to pro-
fess, as articles of our faith, things, which we do not
believe, which we know to be false, yea, which we
are fully persuaded are absurd and contradictory,
certainly, we cannot, with a safe conscience, commu-
nicate with them, but must be hypocrites in a matter,
which of all others is the most weighty and impor-
tant, and in which persons cannot dissemble, Without
incurring the greatest guilt. Thus, they require us
to believe transubstantiation, though we know it is
attended with endless absurdities and contradictions.
They require us to believe purgatory, and the inter-
est and intercession of their saints in heaven, besides
many other things, which at least are doubtful, nay,
and some of them plainly false, and contrary to
scripture. Let a man but read the Confession of
Faith of Pope Pius IV. which is drawn up accord-
ing to the determinations of the Council of Trent,
and joined to its decrees, and he will presently see,
that all who differ from it, are condemned, anathe-
matized, and, consequently, that they cannot live in
that communion without hypocrisy.

But, it may be said, all persons are not obliged
to believe these things ; it is sufficient only to .submit
to the church. But besides many reasons against
submitting to the church, which we shall see here-
after, all they that do so submit, are by that very act
bound to submit to all the decrees of their councils,
6*

CG

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

and consequently to those doctrines, of which we
have been speaking.

It will be replied, that the Council of Trent hath
not been received in all places, namely, in France.
But first, in those very places, where the decrees of
the council concerning discipline, are not admitted,
as in France, yet their decrees concerning matters of
faith are ; which are the things we are now speaking
of. Secondly, most of those things, which were
determined in the Council of Trent, had been deter-
mined before in some preceding councils ; as the
worship of images in the second Council of Nice, and
transubstantiation in the Council of Lateran, in the
year 1215.

2. Another insuperable reason, why we cannot
hold communion with them, is the doctrine of the
Church of Rome concerning the supreme rule, or
the supreme judge of controversies of faith. If any
thing is important, or fundamental in religion, this is
undoubtedly so, namely, What is the rule of faith ?
Who is the supreme judge in religious matters ?
Where is the supreme authority lodged, which ought
to determine and regulate ail our belief? There, if
any where, we may apply the words of Lucretius,*

in fabrica, si prava est regula prima,

Normaque si fallax rectis regionibus exit,
Et libella aliqua si ex parti claudicat hilum ;
Omnia mendose fieri, atque obstipa, necessum est,
Prava, cubantia, prona, supina, atque absona tecta.

* Lib. iv. ver. 516,

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 67

For if any thing is admitted as a rule of faith,
which is fallacious, and liable to mistake, a door is
hereby opened for all errors, and the greatest absur-
dities ; but such is the rule, such the judge, and
such the principle, which the Church of Rome holds,
when she makes the Church, meaning herself, the
infallible rule of faith, and supreme judge of contro-
versies, to whom all are bound to submit.

Now, lest they should say we reject this princi-
ple, without giving any reason, we shall briefly offer
two or three things only which seem to be unexcep-
tionable. And,

1. If any proof is valid, that a person is not
infallible, this undoubtedly is so ; if it be certain that
he has actually erred, and that in a very gross and
palpable manner, and very often too ; but especially,
if he has decreed those things which are absurd,
impossible, and imply many plain contradictions.
But the Church of Rome did so decree in the case
of transubstantiation ; and consequently this instance
alone is sufficient utterly to overthrow that principle.

2. There is no need of taking any great pains to
overthrow the popish rule of faith ; we may sit still,
and at a distance behold them opposing one another.
For if the church is infallible, this infallibility must
reside either in the Pope, or in Councils ; or in
Pope and Councils both together. But the Gallican
Church hath abundantly shown, that the Pope is not
infallible ; and the Italians, on the other hand, have

6S FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

as plainly shown, that Councils are not. And each
side frequently rejects the decrees of Pope and
Councils together ; so that we may hold our peace,
and be quiet, and they themselves will destroy one
another, and sufficiently demonstrate the defect of
their own rule.

And that these intestine divisions amongst them
are not a light and trivial matter, is abundantly evi-
dent, from innumerable other quarrels, which have
been carried on with great warmth in former times ;
but especially from the present dispute about the
Constitution Unigenitus ; for great part of the Gal-
lican Church does charge the Pope, in their public
writings, with grievous errors in matters of faith, and
moral principles, and in matters of discipline too.
On the other hand, the Pope takes frequent occasion
to anathematize those that oppose him. Some
bishops take part with the Pope, others are against
him, and it is not yet known what will be the issue
of so warm a contention. Now, what madness and
folly would it be for us to involve ourselves in con-
troversies of so great importance, about the most
important question of all others, namely, the rule of
faith ; wherein, to speak the truth, both sides seem
to conquer in attacking their adversary's cause, and
both to be conquered, when they come to state and
defend their own ?

3. We have yet greater reason to reject their rule,
when we consider that it destroys all certainty of

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 69

faith, and necessarily introduces skepticism ; for that
we may be certain of the authority of the church, it
must be discovered to us, either by the light of
nature, or by scripture, or by the determinations of
the church herself. But it cannot be known by the
light of nature, for there is no such principle in
nature, that there is an infallible church ; nor from
scripture, as may be inferred from their own con-
fession, for they say, that the authority and sense of
scripture itself, does depend upon the church, and
cannot be known but by her assistance ; and those
texts, that are brought to prove this matter, are very
foreign to the purpose. Nor, lastly, can it be known
from the church herself; for, to say that we are to
believe the church, because the church has so de-
termined, is ridiculously to take for granted what
ought to be proved.

Nor is it sufficient to know, that there is a
church, yea, an infallible one ; but we ought to
know which and where that is, and by whom she
makes known her mind. Concerning which things,
we have already shown how greatly they differ and
contradict one another.

And if we were certain thus far, we ought to
know further, in what things the church cannot err ;
whether in matters of fact, as well as in matters of
right ; and in matters of discipline, as well as of
doctrine.

70 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

Moreover, we ought to know all that is neces-
sary to make the determinations of the church valid,
that they may have the force of a law. If they are
Pope's Bulls, we ought to know when they are to be
esteemed authoritative, when the Pope speaks ex
tathedra. If they are the Decrees of Councils, we
ought to be informed, when they are lawfully assem-
bled, who are the true members that ought to be pres-
ent, what is the due form of proceeding, and when
they are truly General Councils, which things make
the popish rule of faith the most uncertain thing in
the world. And, hence, every one may see what
reason we have to reject it.

4. But one of the principal reasons, which make
us call our difference with the papists a fundamental
one, is taken from the business of worship, which is
not only very different from, but such as can never be
reconciled and brought to the same form with ours.
For that worship, which is used in the Church of
Rome, and which she enjoins upon pain of excom-
munication, and for the neglect of which she inflicts
the greatest temporal punishments, the same we
count sinful, unlawful, contrary to the word of God,
and full of superstition and idolatry ; as the adora-
tion of the host, images, reliques, and the cross ; and
the invocation of saints and angels. We do not now
enter into the debate whether we herein mistake or
not ; this, however, is certain, that as long as we
are of this mind, we cannot possibly join with a

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 71

church that ordains such worship ; for, as the
Apostle says in a like case, " What communion
hath light with darkness ? And what agreement hath
the temple of God with idols ?"* From whence he
immediately draws this inference, in the words of the
prophet, " Wherefore come out from among them,
and be ye separate, and touch no unclean thing, saith
the Lord."

The force of which reasoning will be increased
by the following observations, which we shall only
mention. First, this difference is not speculative,
but altogether practical ; for the whole affair of
divine worship turns upon it, and, therefore, nothing
can be of greater weight and importance than this
matter. Secondly, the design of Christianity, nay,
the very essence and foundation of it, is to reclaim
mankind from the worship of creatures, and things
which by nature are not God, to the worship of the
only true God. Whence it appears to be presump-
tion in those, who, contrary hereunto, attempt to call
us off from the true God to the worship of creatures
and dumb idols. Thirdly, however this worship
may be palliated, and speciously defended, yet it is
so evident in fact, and the practice of it so publicly
allowed of, that it cannot be called into question.
Fourthly, this argument is as plain as can be ; noth-
ing can be more evident and obvious to the capacity
of every one ; there is no need of acuteness and

* 2 Cor. vi. 14, 15, lfi

72 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

sagacity to discern it. The rule of God's word is
very plain on the one hand, and the contrary practice
is as obvious on the other.

5. As their errors in doctrine are exceeding
gross, and their superstitions in worship not to be
borne with, so the tyranny of their government is so
great, that we can by no means submit to such a
yoke. For here we see the papal monarchy ob-
tained by mere usurpation ; laws enacted in perfect
opposition to the laws of Christ ; dispensations from
the divine law readily granted, as in the case of mar-
riages ; and absolutions from oaths indulged to kings
and princes, to the subversion of all society ; such
a mass of laws about ceremonies, as does effectually
bring us back again to Judaism and heathenism ;
christian liberty entirely abolished, anathemas de-
nounced against those who differ from them even in
the most trifling things, as in the number of the
sacraments ; fines and imprisonments, gibbets, stakes,
the inquisition, with the like wholesome severities ;
all which give us such an abhorrence of the popish
communion, that as long as the authority of the Pope
continues, we can never think of submitting to his
discipline, or of leaving our lives, and the comfort of
them, our faith and conscience, at his mercy.

In a word, let them shake off the popish yoke,
which the papists themselves begin to be sufficiently
sensible is intolerable ; let no violence be ever offered
to. conscience ; let all men judge of religion from the

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 73

word of God only ; let every thing that savours of
idolatry be banished from their worship, and then we
shall not be backward, but readily concert measures
towards a reconciliation and union with them.

CHAP. IX.

Differences between Protestants not Fundamental.

We have seen an instance of a fundamental
difference ; but the difference of those, who have
agreed in shaking off the papal yoke, is quite of
another nature ; some of whom, for distinction's sake,
are called Lutherans, and others Reformed. And
whosoever calmly and impartially considers the dif-
ferences amongst them, will easily perceive, that
they are by no means such as should hinder mutual
forbearance and christian harmony, which has been
always greatly wanted, but is more especially neces-
sary to both sides in the present juncture.

And, that we may make our way the more easy,
we shall premise three things. First, we do not
mean that persons should be required to change their
opinions, which, as it would be unjust to insist upon,
so it would be impossible to accomplish ; but, only
that those, who entertain different sentiments, should
boar with one another; which to persons of piety and
7

74 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

moderation ought not to be reckoned any great diffi-
culty. Secondly, we are not in this matter to regard
the too rigid determinations, or the imprudent writ-
ings and expressions, or the odd opinions of partic-
ular persons, but only public records, or confessions
by princes, or churches, which, whatever authority
they may have, yet in the opinion of protestants are
not infallible, but are to be judged of by the rule of
scripture. Thirdly, the opinions of each side are
never to be confounded with the consequences of
them, whether they be truly or falsely deduced ; and
consequences ought never to be charged upon any,
who do not own them, but it may be abhor them,
unless the case be so plain and palpable, and so
universally acknowledged, that no one, who owns
the principle, can possibly deny the consequence.

These things being premised, let us see in short
how far protestants agree with one another, and in
comparison hereof, how small their disagreement is ;
whence it will appear how easy, yea, how reasonable
and necessary it is for them to come to that forbear-
ance and unity of which we speak.

How considerable and important their agreement
is, may be understood by comparing together their
Confessions of faith ; yea, it is very evident, by
considering the Augsburgh Confession alone, which
both sides receive and acknowledge. Both sides
agree that the Word of God contained in the Scrip-
tures, is the only rule of faith, by which rule all

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 75

human traditions and sanctions are to be judged of;
that the only true God is the object of all religious
worship, and that the least show of devotion is not
to be paid to angels, or saints, to crosses, or reliques,
or to any images of wood, or stone, or the like. Both
sides place all their hope of pardon and salvation in
Christ alone ; in his merits, and promises. Both
agree, that the benefits purchased by Christ, and
consequently eternal salvation, are not to be obtained
but by faith and repentance, and that not by a dead
faith, but such as works by love, and by repentance,
that is sincere, and demonstrated by a life of good
works. Both solemnize the sacraments of baptism,
and the Lord's supper, according to the command of
Christ, without those many inventions of men, by
which these holy mysteries have been greatly abused
and corrupted ; and so conform themselves to the
wholesome institution of Christ, by which his love is
ratified to us. Both acknowledge, that prayers and
praises, thanksgivings and almsdeeds, our bodies,
and even our whole selves, are the true offerings and
sacrifices which we are to present unto God, and
renounce that unbloody sacrifice, which others have
added, as impious and absurd. Both believe, that
there are but two ends of all men, eternal glory and
eternal misery, and reject that middle state of purga-
tory, which some, contrary to the Word of God, have
devised merely to support their avarice and supersti-
tion. And in short, all the principles of the christian

76 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

faith, without exception, are received in common on
both sides, together with an abhorrence of the errors
and superstitions of popery. Nor, indeed, can it be
imagined how persons, who seriously consider these
things, and are suitably affected, with the importance
of them, can be satisfied to break the bond of fel-
lowship, and refrain from worshipping God together,
upon account of some few and trivial differences
about things that are obscure.

Such is their agreement ; in comparison of
which, as is now evident, and may easily be proved,
their disagreement is small and inconsiderable.
We shall not stay here, to take notice of some
small differences in ritual matters, as about the use
of tapers, images, confession, and exorcism in bap-
tism, which are not the same every where, and ought
lo be no obstacle to a hearty union ; for every
church may enjoy its own particular usages, and the
observation of these things be left at liberty, and not
be obliged to a constant invariable form herein, as is
acknowledged in the confessions of both sides ; nor
shall we touch upon some less differences in matters
of opinion, which are either disputes about words
only, or peculiar tenets of private divines rather than
of whole churches ; or, it may be, only conse-
quences drawn from some principles, which are by no
means to be charged on the churches themselves.
All these things we shall pass over for the present,
and briefly give our judgment, and that with freedom

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 77

and a desire to promote peace, concerning three
principal controversies only, which seem to be all
that are of any moment, and which alone use to be
regarded in this matter.

The first question, therefore, is, Whether the
body of Christ be truly and substantially present in
the eucharist ?

Though this at first sight may seem to be a con-
troversy of very great moment, yet, if we look more
narrowly into it, and consider what is granted on
both sides, we shall have different apprehensions of
it ; for both sides grant, that the bread and wine are
truly present, and continue all the time of the cele-
bration ; and, therefore, are not converted or tran-
substantiated into the body of Christ. On the other
hand, both sides agree that Christ is truly present,
yea, that his body and blood are truly exhibited, and
arc so far present as the nature of a sacrament
requires. They both agree, that the body and blood
of Christ are not present in a gross and sensible
manner, so as to be included in that place ; that
they are not present after the manner of bodies, but
after the manner of spirits, or in a spiritual manner ;
yea, are no more nor less present than as the nature
and end of a sacrament require, and therefore only
in a sacramental manner, which is an expression
admitted and used on both sides. Further, both
sides equally condemn the abuses and superstitions
of the Church of Rome, as transubstantiation, the
7*

78 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

sacrifice of the mass, withholding the cup from the
laity, the procession, elevation, and adoration of the
host. Finally, both sides are fully satisfied that
bodily eating, such as is performed by good and bad
men alike, does not avail us to salvation, but only
that which is performed by faith. To which pur-
pose one might bring a plain testimony from Luther,*
and a no less remarkable one from Brentius ;f
which, for brevity's sake, we omit. What difference
does now remain ? Not any concerning the presence
itself; for both sides confess, if we would speak
accurately, that the body of Christ is only so far
present as the nature and end of the sacrament
require. All the difference, therefore, is concern-
ing the manner of his presence, one side contenting
themselves with believing such a sort of presence as
is plain and easy to be conceived, and agreeable to
the style of scripture, the other imagining that
Christ is present in some wonderful and incompre-
hensible manner, which to the former seems to be of
no manner of use, and attended with unsurmounta-
ble difficulties, and therefore they cannot admit of it.
This is the whole subject of difference ; and what
there is in this that affects the foundation of faith in
the least, we cannot see, or what should hinder such
persons from bearing with one another, till God

* In Catechismo minori.

f In Syngrainniate Suevorum ; turn in exegesi in Joantiem,

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 79

grant greater light to those who are under a mistake
in the matter.

Neither is there any greater weight in that other
question, which arises out of the former, concerning
the person of Christ, Whether the divine perfections,
such as omnipresence, omnipotence, and the like, are
communicated to his human nature ? For each side
owns all, that is important in this matter, namely,
the two natures of Christ, and the union of both, to
be without any change, or division, or mixture of
either ; that the properties of both natures are
ascribed to Christ ; and, finally, that this mystery of
godliness, concerning " God manifest in the flesh,"
is a thing very sublime, far above the comprehension
of men. Other things, which remain doubtful, are
so obscure in themselves, and come to little more
than a debate about words, that it must be a very
hard case, as that excellent man and divine, John
Lewis Fabricius,* has observed, and proceed from
great want of charity, if persons, who do not exactly
agree in such things, cannot regard each other as
brethren notwithstanding.

There remains a third controversy, concerning
predestination ; a matter that was never brought into
dispute in Luther's time, nor many years after, but
seems to have broke out first in the quarrel between
Zanchy and Marbachius, about the year 15G1.
However, Zanchy did not deny a general will in God
■ In Meditatione circa Personam Christi.

80 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

to save all men if they believed, as may be seen in
his writings ;* neither did he teach any thing more
rigid about election and reprobation, than Luther
himself has done.f This controversy afterwards
increased, and is now reckoned by most persons to
be the chief of all. But though some branches Of it
may be greatly magnified, as those questions which
are concerning universal and particular grace ;
Whether election depends upon foreseen faith ?
Whether the grace of God be resistible or irresisti-
ble ? And whether believers may fall from grace or
not ? Yet those, who diligently consider the matter,
will see, that upon the whole there is a great agree-
ment between them ; and that such as are herein
mistaken, though we do not now inquire who they
are, may nevertheless be very good christians. For
both sides agree, First, that God is the author of
every good thing ; but that all evil comes from our-
selves. Secondly, that man is a free agent, worthy
of honour or reproach, and inexcusable whenever
he sins against God. Thirdly, that every man, who
believes and repents, is readily accepted of God ;
and that it is very pleasing to him for any one thus
to believe and repent. Fourthly, that all, who per-
ish, do so through their own fault ; that God is not
at all wanting to them, or any way accessory here-
unto ; and, therefore, that their destruction is no way

* Depuls. Calumn.

f In Lib. <Je Servo Arbitrio, aliisque in locis.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 81

to be charged upon him. Fifthly, that nothing comes
to pass in time, but what was determined or permit-
ted to be in the eternal decrees of God. Sixthly,
that God did by one most simple act thus decree all
things. Seventhly, that God will render to every
man according to his works, aad proceed in the
judgment of all with the greatest equity, wisdom,
and clemency. And, lastly, that in all these questions
concerning the ways and counsels of God, there are
many things, which are far above our comprehension,
many things, the reasons and manner of which we
cannot account for. And here both sides are ready
to cry out in the words of the Apostle, " O the
depths," &,c. and acknowledge that they are very
well adapted to this controversy.

To all which if wc add the following things ;
first, that Luther has spoken as harshly of these
things, if not more so, than any of the reformed.
Secondly, that Melancthon, who had far more mod-
erate senfi.ne-its in these things, and whom the Luther-
ans do now follow, did nevertheless maintain great
friendship with both Luther and Calvin as long as
they lived. Thirdly, that many of the reformed
divines, as Bullinger, that great man, and superin-
tendant of Zurich, did plainly approach to Melanc-
thon's judgment,* for which reason he was said to
melancthonise. Fourthly, that a great part of the

* \s may be seen in several of his works, but especially in his
Oration " de Moderatione servanda in negotio Praedestiuationis,"

82 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

reformed at present, namely, almost all the English
bishops, the divines of Brandenburg, and many
others, do either agree with the Lutherans in these
points, or come very near them. Fifthly, that those
of the reformed, that are most rigid in their notions
of predestination, abhor every impious consequence,
that may be deduced from thence, and follow after
holiness themselves, and urge it upon others as
much as any. If all these things were considered
and duly weighed by a pious and peaceable mind, it
would appear, that arduous and sublime questions
about predestination ought by no means to separate
men in affection from one another, and to hinder
love and concord ; but every man should enjoy his
own opinions without raising jealousies, and molest-
ing others upon such matters ; much less would one
expect, that the communion of the church, and the
common rights of christians, should be suspended
upon so perplexed and obscure a point.

What has been said concerning the small im-
portance of such controversies, and the reasonableness
of exercising forbearance in these things, will receive
further confirmation by observing what follows, which
we shall but mention, and leave to the pious and
peaceable christian to consider and enlarge upon j
first, that all these questions reside in the understand-
ing only, and have little or no influence upon our wor-
ship and practice ; for which reason we easily may,
and certainly ought to bear with one another's dif-

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 83

ferent sentiments. Secondly, that they are things
above common capacities, and indeed little more
than scholastic questions. Thirdly, there are many
christians on both sides, who, it may be, have never
heard of these disputes, or understand very little of
them, or are mistaken about them, or who are doubt-
ful, and never could assent either way ; and whether
these are to be debarred the hope of salvation, or to
be excluded from the communion of the church, we
desire our Lutheran brethren calmly to consider.
Fourthly, the dispute is not so much about things
themselves, as the mode and circumstances of them;
as has been already observed. Fifthly, these ques-
tions do not so much concern good men as bad, that
is, the admission of persons unworthy, and God's
decrees concerning the reprobate. Why should not
we therefore pass by them, and make it our business
to be found in the number of the faithful ? Sixthly,
both sides design well ; therefore if they do not
merit praise, they ought however to be excused.
Seventhly, too much of human frailty has been very
visible in these disputes already, preposterous zeal,
intemperate anger, and too plain instances of ambi-
tion and vainglory. These passions have too much
prevailed, and it is high time now to allay and sup-
press them. Eighthly, there are exceeding great
and almost insuperable difficulties on both sides,
especially about the doctrine of predestination.
Ninthly, the controversy about predestination has

84 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

been debated in all ages, in all places, and by per-
sons of all persuasions. Tenthly, there have been
great and considerable men on both sides, men that
we cannot easily condemn, and should be loth to
reject from our communion ; such as St. Chrysrstom,
and the fathers of the first ages on one side, and St.
Austin, with a vast number of followers on the other.
Should these men be raised, and live again in our
day, how readily should we embrace them ! At
least, we could not think of cnsting them out of the
church, and debarring them the offices of it. Elev-
enthly, we may learn wisdom in this matter from our
very adversaries, the papists, who, though they are
generally very rigid, and the greatest enemies to
toleration, yet, in this very affair, and in things of
greater moment too, bear with one another's differ-
ent sentiments, and retain both parties in their com-
munion. Twelfthly, the questions, which are now
the matter of debate, were quite left out of the
Augsburgh Confession, as was acknowledged by
divines of both sides in the conference at Leipsic.
Thirteenthly , there are many other differences of
opinion, not only of equal importance, but far greater,
which yet are patiently borne with on both sides ;
and why should not the like moderation be used in
these ? Lastly, to add no more, I would only ask
one thing ; can it be any where shown, that God, the
"only Lawgiver," and "who alone has power to
save and to destroy," has ever determined that those

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 85

doctrines, which are controverted among protestants,
are necessary to be known, in one or other deter-
minate sense, in order to salvation ? Or that the
opposite errors do exclude men from salvation ?
To say that he has. would show great rashness, and
betray a mind blinded with party zeal. But if the
great Judge of the world has determined no such
thing, what arrogance is it for such as we to desire
to be thought more righteous and more rigid than
God himself?

Hitherto, therefore, it has been plainly shown,
that there is so great an agreement among protes-
tants, and that their disagreement is so inconsider-
able, that they may very well exercise mutual
forbearance, and enter into a hearty union with one
another. But we shall go a step further, and ven-
ture to assert, that this is not a matter left to our
liberty, but of the utmost necessity and most strict
obligation, whether we regard conscience or pru-
dence. And first, with regard to conscience ; for,
if this disagreement does not hinder but persons,
who so differ, may be good christians, and true mem-
bers of the church, communion must necessarily be
held with them ; which, if we deny, we are guilty of
violating the great law of charity, and of rending
asunder the body of Christ ; for Christ has declared
that all his disciples should be one; and St. Paul
directs, that the " unity of the spirit be kept in the
bond of peace ;" as we have endeavoured to show
8

86 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION^

in chapter seventh, by a great number and force of
arguments. But no one has pressed this matter
more strongly, as far as it concerns the controversies
that are among protestants, than the most pious and
great lover of peace, Samuel Werenfels, to whose
excellent treatise we refer the reader.*

But such a union is no less necessary from the
laws of prudence, than from the obligations of duty
and conscience ; for, who can be ignorant how many
evils have sprung up from the violation of it ? What
hatred, strife, and wars ; what a pernicious custom
of endless debates and slander ; what loss of time ;
what a visible decay of piety and charity ; what a
hindrance to reformation ; and what triumphs of the
papists and other adversaries ; when all the good
effects, contrary to these evils, might be procured
by the agreement we have been recommending.

However, lest any one should pretend that what
we have been proposing is indeed an excellent and
laudable design, and greatly to be desired, but no
more likely ever to be accomplished, than squaring
the circle, or finding the philosopher's stone ; this
difficulty, though it be not altogether imaginary, yet
we shall remove it in a few words. For what
hinders, but that which has formerly and elsewhere
been often accomplished, if not in all churches, nor
perhaps upon a lasting foundation, yet in many

* Considerationes generates de Ratione uniendi Ecclesias Fro-
testantes.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 87

places, and at divers times, may be effected again,
nay, and become universal ? There are several
known instances of such a union, which are before
every one's eyes, namely, at Marpurg, 1529 ; at
Wittenburg, 1536; at Sendomir, and other places
of Poland and Bohemia, 1570 and the following
years; at Leipsic, 1631; at Charenton the same
year; at Cassel 1661 ; and at Koningsberg in
Prussia not long since. To these we may add many
acts of the diets in Germany, from the beginning
of the reformation, even to the present times, in
which the reformed have been acknowledged as
brethren of the Augsburg confessioi, and are still
so accounted. To all which may be added innu-
merable writings of princes and states, churches and
universities, as likewise pious and moderate men on
both sides, who have endeavoured to persuade to
such a union, to promote and recommend it, and
laid down proper methods to effect it. And the
famous and learned Christ. Matth. Pfalfius, a divine
of Tubingen, has very lately professed himself to
be of the number of such pious persons, and lovers
of peace, with great honour, and the applause of all
good men, for as to any small difference that remains,
it is not worthy to be regarded ; who declares,
" That the coalition of protestants has hitherto been
prevented, not through any defect in the thing itself,
but through the faults of men."* And elsewhere
* Dissert, de Articulis Fundainentalibus

88 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

he judiciously examines into the importance of those
controversies that are among protestants, and shows
they are not fundamental.*

CHAP. X.

Advices to promote Agreement and Forbearance.

What remains, is only to add some short
advices, which may be of use towards effecting this
agreement and forbearance ; which we shall submit
to the examination of all pious readers, and lovers of
peace.

1. It is necessary for all to preserve a true and
just sense of Christianity continually in mind ; not
such as is made up of some obscure notions, or
scholastic niceties, but which consists in the new
creature, that is, in true piety and real virtue.

2. The importance of all doctrines and contro-
versies ought to be carefully examined by the word
of God, and by the laws of prudence, that a moun-
tain may not be made of a mole hill, nor hay and
stubble be made the foundation of Christianity.

3. When matters are really obscure and doubt-
ful, our assent ought to be withheld ; we should not
be wise above what is written, but use caution and

* Institute Theolosfic. Dogmat. &. Moral.

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 89

sobriety, according to the measure of light, which
God has granted us.

4. It is to be desired, that we may never suffer
that first, and truly fundamental principle of the
reformation, That the Holy Scripture is the only rule
of our faith, to be forgotten ; and consequently, that
we may never subject our faith to any assemblies of
men, or to any human decisions, whatever authority
or learning they may be possessed of ; but that we
may try all things, whatever they may be, by the
rule of God's word.

5. We ought always to bear in mind, that we
ourselves are very liable to err ; and so we shall not
be too tenacious of the opinions we have formerly
entertained, but be always ready to receive further
light, and hearken to the admonitions of others.

6. All those questions, that are disputed among
protestants, which surmount the capacities of common
people, and contribute nothing towards promoting
piety, or holiness, ought never to be referred to
them.

7. And when such questions are disputed in
schools, it ought to be with the utmost modesty and
humility ; and at the same time it ought to be shown
that these things do not belong to the foundation of
faith.

8. In such questions, and all that are equally
intricate, the very words of scripture ought to be
used, as much as possible, and the notions and terms

8*

90 FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION.

of the schoolmen ought with equal care to be avoid-
ed ; by which methed we shall proceed with greater
safety to ourselves, we shall stop the mouths of
gainsay ers, and make the way to the union of the
church more plain and easy to all.

9. Our moderation should be uniform towards all
men, and in all places alike ; that it may not be
objected to us, that we are disposed to peaceable
measures with our fellow christians abroad, but rigid
and morose towards those with whom we live.

10. Let us continually endeavour to obtain
further measures of piety and holiness, and to grow
confirmed therein ; and also, to instil the same into
others, which is the crown of all ; by which means
we shall find no time for vain and unprofitable ques-
tions, " which minister nothing to edification."

11. We ought to have that fundamental precept
of Christ otir Lord always before our eyes, whereby
he has so strictly enjoined all his disciples to love
one another, and to put it into practice towards our
dissenting brethren. For we must not imagine that
these little diversities of opinions among us, are a
sufficient excuse for the breach of charity.

12. Our charity must not be shown by speak-
ing and acting in a private manner only ; but when
occasion offers, and our brethren consent, we should
readily join with them at the holy communion. For
why should not this solemn commemoration of our
Lord's death, and this peculiar expression of chris-

FUNDAMENTALS IN RELIGION. 91

tian charity, be left in common to all, who agree
with us in the principal parts of Christianity, though
they differ in some minute and circumstantial
articles.

Lastly, as it is incumbent upon us to behave
ourselves in such a manner, so we ought in our
several stations, and according to the influence we
have, both by our words and actions, to instil the
same spirit of meekness into others. Let princes,
magistrates and ministers, do each their part, and
then we may hope, that these seeds of moderation
and forbearance, being watered by the dew of
heaven, will happily spring up, and bring forth the
most pleasant fruit, to the glory of God, the edifi-
cation and union of the church, and our own eternal
salvation, according to the Apostle, " The fruit of
righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace."*

* James iii. 18.

ESSAYS OF ABAUZIT.

ABAUZIT.

Firmin Abauzit, the author of the following
Essays, was descended from an Arabian family,
which settled in the south of France as early as the
ninth century. He was born at Uzes, in the Depart-
ment of Gard, November 11th, 1679. His father
died during the son's infancy, and he was left to the
charge of his mother at a time of great trouble and
peril. His parents professed the protestant faith,
and he was only six years old when the memorable
revocation of the edict of Nantes threatened to
extinguish the flame of religious liberty, and to
crush all the Protestants in France under the weight
of an ecclesiastical tyranny, or to torture them with
the iron rod of persecution.

The Roman Catholic priests of his native town
wished to force him from his mother, and to educate
him in their college. She at first eluded their
attempts by sending him secretly from home. His
place of residence, however, was discovered, and
he was brought back and compelled to reside in the

96

ABAUZIT.

college, till his mother found means effectually to
release him from the hands of her persecutors, and
remove him beyond their reach. After wandering
for a long time in concealment among the mountains
of Cevennes, he at length found an asylum in Geneva.
His mother was seized, in revenge of his escape,
and confined in the castle of Somieres where she
was treated with such severity as to be thrown into a
fever, which nearly terminated her life. After suf-
fering in confinement two years, she gained her lib-
erty, and hastened to Geneva, where she had the
joy of meeting her son, and the happiness of retain-
ing her religious opinions unmolested.

During her persecutions in France, she had been
deprived of almost all her fortune, which was once
considerable, and she was left with a scanty provi-
sion for the education of her son. By practising a
rigid economy, however, and teaching him to copy
her example, she contrived to procure for him all
the advantages, which the schools of Geneva afford-
ed. He engaged with such eagerness in his studies,
as ensured him a rapid progress, and soon made him
master not only of polite learning and literature in
general, but of several branches of science and phi-
losophy. For a time he was particularly devoted to
theology, but antiquities, the exacter sciences,
natural philosophy, mathematics, and natural history,
were his more favourite topics. He also made great
proficiency in the ancient languages.

ABAUZIT. 97

After having thus successfully pursued his studies
at Geneva, he travelled into Holland before he was
twenty years old. There he became acquainted
with some of the first literary men of the age,
especially Bayle, Jurieu, and the Basnages. From
Holland he went over to England, where he also had
the good fortune to enjoy the society and esteem of
men of great eminence, among whom were St. Evre-
mond, and Sir Isaac Newton. So favourable an im-
pression did he make, that King William wished to
retain him in England, and proposed to him very
advantageous conditions. But his mother was in
Geneva, and filial affection called on him to reject
every offer, which would deprive her of his immedi-
ate protection. He went again into Holland, and,
after a short excursion in Germany, returned to
Geneva where he fixed his permanent residence.
The freedom of the city was presented to him, and
he was solicited to accept a professor's chair, which
he declined. He consented, however, to fill the
office of librarian. At different times he was mem-
ber of the legislative body of the little republic of
Geneva, the duties of which office he discharged
with great wisdom and discretion.

But the departments of knowledge, to which he
seemed to be more peculiarly devoted, were the
natural sciences. He was well known to all the
distinguished mathematicians and philosophers in
Europe. The philosophical principles of Newton
9

98

ABAUZIT.

early engaged his attention, and found in him an able
and zealous advocate. He defended them against
the attacks of Fontenelle and Castel, and even de-
tected an error in the Principia at a time when very-
few men in Europe could understand the work.
This error was acknowledged by Sir Isaac Newton
himself, and corrected in a subsequent edition.
He had so high an opinion of the merits of Abauzit,
that he held a correspondence with him, and in one
of his letters pays him this compliment ; " You are
a very fit man to judge between Leibnitz and me."
Abauzit was, also, profoundly versed in ancient
history, geography, and chronology ; and drew several
maps and charts, which threw much light on these
subjects. Sir Isaac Newton altered an important
date in his chronology in conformity with the opinion
of Abauzit. His knowledge, indeed, was extensive
in the whole circle of antiquities, and in almost every
branch of human attainment. In proof of this a
remarkable instance is mentioned by his biographers.
Soon after Rousseau had written the article on the
Music of the Ancients in the Encyclopedia, for which
purpose he had consulted the books in the French
king's library, he had an accidental conversation with
Abauzit, whom he found so well informed on the
subject, that he supposed him to have just finished an
investigation. " It is ten years," replied Abauzit,
" since I quitted this branch of science." This is
an evidence, among many others, that his memory

ABAUZIT.

99

was not inferior to his ardour, his judgment, or
his industry.

In theology his researches were deep. His
knowledge of the ancient languages qualified him to
be a critic ; and his good judgment, moderation, and
love of truth, enabled him to throw off the trammels
of prejudice, and enter upon his inquiries with a fair
mind. The results, for the most part, were rational
views of the christian religion, and a spirit of tolera-
tion and forbearance rarely to be found at that period.
His theological writings consist chiefly of short arti-
cles on various subjects. They were collected and
printed in a volume separate from his other works.
The longest of these is on the Apocalypse, which
was drawn up at the request of William Burnet,
Governour of New York, who was one of Abauzit's
correspondents. In this article the author inquires
into the manner in which the canon of the New
Testament was formed, and states at some length
the opinions of all the ancient Fathers respecting the
authenticity of the Apocalypse. The same volume
contains a treatise on Idolatry, and a letter on the
Doctrine of the Romish Church, both of which man-
ifest much depth of research, and close reflection.

From this volume, which was translated by Dr.
Harwood, and printed in London, 1774, the Essays
here given to the public are selected. It is unneces-
sary to remark on their object, or their merits, as
every reader can judge for himself. They exhibit

100 ABAUZIT.

the views of a great and a good man on some of the
most important topics of christian theology.

It would be unpardonable, perhaps, not to intro-
duce here the glowing portraiture, which Rousseau
has drawn of Abauzit, more especially as it is said
to be the only eulogium, that ever escaped this
author's pen upon a living person.

" Not that this age of philosophy," said Rous-
seau, " will pass without having produced one true
philosopher. I know one, and only one, I confess; but
what I consider the highest point of happiness is,
that he dwells in my native country. Shall I dare
openly name him, whose true glory it is to have
remained unknown ? Wise and modest Abauzit, let
your sublime simplicity pardon in my heart a zeal,
which has not your fame for its object. No, it is
not you, that I would make known in this age so
unworthy to admire you ; it is Geneva, which I
would make illustrious by your residence there ; on
my fellow citizens I would bestow the honour, which
they render to you. Happy is the country where
the merit, which conceals itself, is the most esteem-
ed ; happy the people where presumptuous youth
ceases to dogmatize, and blushes at its vain knowl-
edge, before the learned ignorance of the wise.
Venerable and virtuous old man, your fame has
never been sounded by empty wits ; no noisy Aca-
demician has attempted your elogy. You have not,
like them, deposited all your wisdom in books ; you

ABAUZIT. 101

have displayed it in your life for an example to the
country, which you have adopted and loved, and by
which you are respected. You have lived like
Socrates ; but he died by the hand of his fellow
citizens, while your are cherished by yours."*

Such was the tribute bestowed by a man of
genius, who was by no means accustomed to over-
rate ihe merits of others.

Abauzit died on the 20ih of March, 17G7, at
the advanced age of eighty seven, deeply lamented
by his friends and the republic. Through his whole
life he sought retirement and quiet. It was his
delight rather to communicate pleasure to his
friends, than to gain the applause of the world ; his
conversation was animated and instructive, i\m\ his
deportment affable and engaging. He was amiable
and modest, generous and kind, without any selfish
interests to promote, or dreams of ambition to real-
ize. He was simple in his manners, frank and
independent in his intercourse with men, decided in
his opinions, a lover of liberty, and a friend to uni-
versal freedom and toleration in religion. If, indeed,
it can be said of any man, that in him were com-
bined the characters of a true philosopher, a pro-
found scholar, and a sincere christian, this may with
the strictest truth be said of Abauzit.

* (Euvres de J. J. Rousseau, Geneve, 1782, torn. v. p. 25S
9*

ESSAYS OF ABAUZIT.

On Mysteries in Religion.

Mysteries are a source of disputation and of
division among christians. Some would totally
banish them from religion ; others, not content with
those which it may admit, create themselves a pleas-
ure in augmenting the number of them, and multiply
them to infinity. What side ought one to take in this
dispute ? Is there no middle path to pursue, between
these two opposite extremes ? This is what I design
to canvass in the ensuing discourse. To this pur-
pose we will first observe the different senses which
this word mystery may admit. Secondly, we will
examine in what sense we may say that there are
mysteries in religion ; and in what manner one is
obliged to submit to those which it contains. In the
last place, we will deduce from the principles laid
down, some general reflections on the conduct which
christians ought to observe with regard to mysteries.

The word mystery in general signifies a thing
concealed ; but as a thing may be concealed from

104 ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION.

us different ways, this name is attributed to various
things which are not equally concealed from us, and
which have not, with regard to us, the same degree
of obscurity.

1. The sacred penmen gave the name of mystery
to those truths, which revelaiion discovers to us, and
which would have been unknown to men had they
enjoyed only the guidance of reason. Thus the
doctrine of the vocation of the Gentiles to the privi-
leges of the Gospel is called a mystery ; because
that before Jesus Christ had commanded his Apostles
to preach the Gospel through the whole world, this
design, which God had formed, of manifesting him-
self to all men, was a thing unknown, a thing con-
cealed. In this sense it is that St. Paul, informing
the Christians that all mankind shall not be dead
when Jesus Christ shall descend to judge the world,
calls this doctrine a mystery, because that was a
particular circumstance, with regard to the last
judgment, which mankind had been ignorant of till
that time ; it had been a thing concealed from them
till the time that St. Paul informed them of it. It
is in this sense that the word mystery is most
frequently employed in the books of the New Testa-
ment.

2. The name of mystery is also given to those
doctrines of religion, which acquaint us but imper-
fectly with those subjects, which they present to our
minds; which only communicate to us insufficient

ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION. 105

ideas. It is in this sense, that one may say, that the
conduct of Providence is a mystery ; because, though
we know various things concerning the manner in
which Providence governs this universe, we are very
far from knowing all the rules, which it observes in
this great regard.

3. We give the name of mystery to what is
obscure and unknown to us in the things that relate
to religion. We do not know, for example, in what
time God will make his Gospel known to those
nations, which hitherto have been plunged in the
darkness of paganism ; this to us, we say, is a mys-
tery. We are ignorant also, for instance, in what
manner God will judge those who shall have fallen
into this or that error, which appears dangerous to us ;
in this we acknowledge a mystery. We are ignorant
what motive influenced the Deity to communicate
his Gospel to one nation rather than to another at a
certain time ; on this subject we say, with St. Paul,
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and
knowledge of God ! How unsearchable are his
judgments, and his ways past rinding out !

4. Divines give the name of mystery to certain
doctrines, which are, say they, above reason, and
which reason cannot comprehend. In this sense
they style the doctrine of the Trinity and Incarnation
a mystery.

5. There are divines, who make use of this
word to denote doctrines, which are not only income

106 ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION.

prehensible but even contradictory. It is in this
sense that the Roman Catholics call their transub-
stantiation a mystery.

In fine, the word mystery is sometimes employed
to denote in general the truths of religion. It seems
even that the scripture sometimes makes use of it in
this sense. Thus Christ said to his disciples ; "To
you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom
of heaven," that is, to know the truths of my Gospel,
which remain concealed from the rest of mankind.
" Let every one regard us," says St. Paul, " as
stewards of the mysteries of Christ," meaning of
those truths, which Jesus Christ came to teach men,
and of which the greatest part of men are ignorant.
" We speak to you the wisdom of God in a mystery;"
that is, we publish an excellent institution, which God
has revealed to us, and the greatest part of whose
truths was before unknown to the world. These are
things, which eye hath not seen, as he afterwards
adds, nor ear heard, and which it hath not entered
into the heart of man to conceive.

The Jews and Pagans were fallen into such
dreadful darkness of ignorance and error, that the
greatest part of the truths, even the most plain and
obvious, which the Apostles preached to them, were
mysteries to them ; truths which they had been
ignorant of till that time, end for the knowledge of
which they were indebted to the Apostles. For
which reason it is, that these last sometimes give the

ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION. 107

name of mystery to the truths which they deliver,
whatever may be their nature ; because being
unknown, they were mysteries to the people to whom
they were communicated. To take the word mys-
tery in this general sense, all religion will be full of
mysteries, since in this sense they give the name of
mystery to all the truths which it contains, even to
the plainest, and to those which are the most level to
our capacity. But this is not the business in hand.
The question is to know, if, by taking this word in
the other senses which we have indicated, we can
aver that there are mysteries in religion. This is
what we shall immediately examine.

1. First, then, if by mysteries are understood
truths which revelation discovers, and which were
unknown to us by reason, it is certain that there are
various mysteries of this kind in the Christian religion.
Those truths, for example, that Jesus Christ is the
saviour of men ; that he passed his life in an abject
condition ; that he died upon a cross ; that he is
risen again ; that he ascended into heaven ; that he
shed from thence the effusions of the spirit upon the
Apostles ; that he will come one day to judice the
whole world ; that all the dead shall rise to make
their appearance together at his tribunal ; and several
other truths of this nature, are things of which our
reason could not inform us, and which we have
learned solely from Christianity. They are there-
fore all of them so many mysteries, which the Gospel

108 ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION.

hath revealed to us. But it ought to be remarked,
that after this revelation these mysteries cease to be
mysteries ; they are no longer things concealed ;
they are things which we know as accurately as
those truths, which are best known to us by reason ;
they are secrets which cease to be secrets to us,
from the moment that God has been pleased to
impart them to us. One ought not to make any
difficulty in receiving mysteries of this kind, which
one may find in the books of the New Testament.
The divinity of these books once proved, we ought
to receive all the truths in which they instruct us in
a clear and accurate manner, though reason of itself
would not conduct us to those truths.

2. If by mystery we understand doctrines, which
only give us inadequate ideas of the subjects, which
they present to our minds, it is certain that there are
diverse mysteries of this nature in religion. AH the
perfections of God, all his works, our own nature,
are in this respect mysteries. We have only very
imperfect ideas of all these things. What the scrip-
ture delivers to us on these topics, is not sufficient to
give us a perfect knowledge of these great objects.
At present, says St. Paul, we see but in part, we
see through a glass darkly. There is in almost all
things, which are the objects of religion, a bright and
dark side. In this respect then, there are almost
every where mysteries. But what ought to be
remarked is, that we are obliged to receive of these

ON MYSTERIES IX RELIGION'. 109

mysterious doctrines only what is clear in them, and
what is level to our capacities. We are obliged
to view them only on the luminous side, which
they exhibit to us. We ought not, neither can we
contemplate them on the dark, by which they are
inaccessible to us. I will render this reflection per-
ceptible by an instance. One may regard eternity
as a mystery. In eternity there are circumstances we
cannot comprehend. How is it possible, for exam-
ple, to add always to a duration which is already
infinite ? If a being hath existed from all eternity, it
seems that he must have existed an infinite number
of years, an infinite number of days. Are there
then as many years as days in the immense extent
of his duration ? These are difficulties which
extremely embarrass us on this subject. This is the
dark side of tin's doctrine, on which we are not
obliged to pronounce. But there is in the eternity
of God something clear, and of which we easily
form an idea ; that is, that God hath always existed,
and that he will always exist ; thai he hath had no
beginning, and will never have an (Mid ; and this is
all we are obliged to believe on this subject. With
regard to mysteries of this nature, therefore, we ought
to receive what they exhibit to us clearly, and to
suspend our judgment in acknowledging our ignorance
in regard to what is obscure in them.

3. If by mystery is understood what is obscure
and unknown to us in the things of religion, it is very
K)

110 ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION.

certain that there are, as we have just remarked,
various things which are unknown to us, among those
things in which religion is conversant. But those
things which are unknown to us, make no part of
religion. They have not been revealed to us. Since
they continue to be unknown and concealed from us,
they constitute no part of the revelation, which hath
been granted us ; they ought not, they cannot be the
object of our faith.

4. If one understand by mystery, incomprehen-
sible doctrines, there are no mysteries of this kind in
revelation. It is even a contradiction to say that a
doctrine is revealed, and that it is incomprehensible.
To say that God reveals to us incomprehensible
doctrines, is to say that he gives us ideas of things of
which we can form no idea, and of which he does not
really give us any idea. This is absolutely impos-
sible. If there were doctrines of this nature in
religion, it would be altogether impossible to believe
them. For to believe a doctrine, is to connect the
ideas which can be formed concerning this doctrine.
But one has no idea of an incomprehensible doctrine ;
one cannot therefore connect the ideas, which con-
stitute this doctrine, nor consequently believe it.

We must make the same judgment concerning
contradictory, as concerning incomprehensible doc-
trines. It is a sort of pretended mystery, which
cannot have place in a divine revelation. It is im-
possible that God, who is the author of our reason,

ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION. Ill

should teach us by his word, things directly contrary
to those, which he teaches us by clear and evident
reasonings. It would not even be possible for us to
receive these kinds of doctrine. For to believe, as
I have just said, is to connect ideas. Now the ideas,
that one pretends to unite in a contradictory doctrine,
cannot be connected. They destroy one another.
If one affirmed, for example, that one and the same
body is at Paris and at Rome at the same time, it
would not be possible to believe it. I may, indeed,
through weakness, through complaisance, through
the little attention which I give to what is proposed
lo me, say, that I give my consent to this proposition.
I can join together the words of which it is com-
posed, but my mind cannot connect the ideas,
which these words express. It cannot connect the
idea of a body existing at Paris at a certain time,
with the idea of this same body existing at the same
instant at Rome. In asserting that this body is at
Rome, one denies that it is at Paris ; in asserting
that it is at Paris, he denies it to be at Rome.
These two ideas, which one pretends to connect,
destroy each other.*

* The difference between the sense of the word fiufrvgiov,
mystery, as used by the Aposlles, and its popular sense, is clear
and easily defined. The Apostles always meant by the word
something that was concealed, but which might be made known ;
whereas, in its vulgar signification, it is employed to denote a
thing, which is not only concealed, but incomprehensible. This
difference is broad and important, and deserves the careful atten-

112 ON MTSTERIES IN RELIGION.

The principles, which we have just laid down,
obviously suggest the following reflections, on the
conduct which we ought to observe, with regard to
mysteries.

1. It appears by what we have advanced, in
what manner we ought to receive doctrines, which
men present to us under the idea of mystery ; that
if they give us clear ideas of what they are desirous
we should believe, and make us evidently see that
these ideas are contained in the word of God, we
ought not to hesitate in receiving them, though they
should be things, which our reason of itself could not
have discovered to us. The scripture says, for
example, that the dead must one day rise again.
We easily form ideas of what the scripture has
taught us in this regard. We ought to believe it,
though our reason of itself cannot lead us to this
truth. But if people propose to us as mysteries,
doctrines that are incomprehensible or contradictory,
we ought not to suffer ourselves to be dazzled with
the specious title with which they clothe them. We

tioti of every one, who would attain just conceptions of the
Apostles' instructions. It may he stated as a rule, which is with-
out exception, that they never used the term to express any
truth or doctrine, which was in its nature incomprehensible, or
impossible to be understood. On the contrary, it is uniformly
employed by them to denote something, which had been obscure,
or unknown, but which was made clear by revelation, or
would be made so by the means that were employed to diffuse
a knowledge of truth, and of divine things. Ed.

ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION. 113

ought to reject them without any scruple. It is not
posssible in truth to receive them. One must only
examine carefully if the doctrine in question be in
reality incomprehensible. Sometimes this title is
imprudently given to doctrines, which are not of tins.
Order. For example, people say that the doctrine
of the incarnation is incomprehensible, but they are
mistaken. If it were, it could not be received.
The doctrine is briefly this ; That the Deity in a
very intimate manner was united to the man Christ
Jesus, insomuch that one may regard all those ex-
cellent lessons, which Jesus Christ communicated to
mankind, all the astonishing and miraculous opera-
tions, which he displayed before their eyes, as the
language and actions of God himself, who was in
him, who spoke by him, who acted by him, who
manifested himself by him. Here is nothing but
what is easily comprehended. It is true, one does
not comprehend what was precisely the nature of
this union of the Deity with humanity ; but as we
are not obliged to form distinct ideas of it, we are
not obliged to believe what we do not distinctly com-
prehend of it.

2. It appears from what we have said, that it is
injurious to accuse moderate divines of being enemies
to mysteries. One may see by what we hare
advanced agreeably to their ideas, that they reject
not those mysteries, which in reality belong to religion.
They acknowledge, in the strongest manner, tl
10

114 ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION.

there are in the nature of God many things which
transcend our weak capacity. They receive with
devout regard every thing which revelation hath
added, which reason could not discover. But they
do not blindly submit to the decisions of men, who
would often vend those doctrines for mysteries,
which have no other foundation but their own imag-
inations. It is against these pretended mysteries that
they declare war, and not against those which reli-
gion contains. Penetrated with gratitude and esteem
for the truths which the Gospel teaches them, they
cannot suffer that men should contaminate their
sacred purity, by associating with them doctrines
which are absurd, replete with difficulties and con-
tradictions. One might with much more justice
accuse the rigid divines with being enemies to
mysteries. It is doing great injury to true mysteries,
to unite with them, as they too often do, abstract spec-
ulations, loaded with difficulties and contradictions,
which render religion contemptible, which make
real mysteries to be questioned, which, exhibiting
religion under a disadvantageous form, weaken the
esteem which men ought to cherish for it, and occa-
sion doubts to arise concerning its credibility.

Besides, it appears from the facility with which
these divines pronounce on all kinds of subjects, that
they own much fewer mysteries, than those whom
they reproach with being enemies to mysteries.
Is it asked, for example, in what manner God hath

ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION. 115

predestinated mankind to salvation ? A moderate
divine will tell you, that the only thing that he
knows upon this subject is, that God hath determined
to save those who shall believe in Jesus Christ, and
to condemn those who shall refuse to receive him.
He will confess that he knows no more than this
concerning it, that this affair is to him a mystery.
But the rigid divine will not be content with such a
concise account ; he will gradually unfold to you all
the most hidden secrets of this mystery ; will tell you
which is the first decree which God formed in this
respect, which the second, and which the third,
fourth, and fifth. You would suppose he had known
the secret counsels of the Almighty, so little is he
embarrassed with this subject, and with such facility
he pronounces on what creates to others the greatest
difficulties.

Is it inquired, what shall be the final condition of
the heathens, who have not the happiness of know-
ing Jesus Christ ? What shall be the everlasting
state of those, who have fallen into such and such an
error ? A moderate divine will say, thai he leaves
them to the equitable judgment of God, the sole
legislator, who can save and who can destroy ; ne
will say, that he hath not sufficient light to decide,
in any peremptory manner, the fate of the errone-
ous ; that this is to him a mystery. But a severe
divine, far from adopting this mystery, will directly
pronounce the sentence, which they shall assuredly

116 ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION.

receive at the last day, and condemn them all with-
out mercy. An observer of characters will find,
that the moderate divine suspends his judgment on
an infinite number of subjects, and freely owns that
they are mysteries to him ; whilst the rigid, by his
temerity in determining every thing, annihilates divers
mysteries, which the weakness of his understanding
ought to make him acknowledge.

3. A third reflection, which presents itself on
this subject, is, that the more mysterious a doctrine
is, full of obscurity and difficult of comprehension,
the less important it is to salvation. In effect, a
doctrine is not important in religion, but in propor-
tion to the influence it may have on our sanctification.
But a doctrine, full of obscurity, can have but
very little influence on our hearts. As it presents
to us but few ideas, and those ideas very indistinct,
it can make but a very slight impression upon us.
One may even assert here, that if there were among
the doctrines of religion, mysteries incomprehensible,
these mysteries would be of no importance ; that not
presenting any distinct idea to our mind, they could
not act upon it, nor, consequently, contribute to its
sanctification, and its happiness.

4. A fourth reflection, which we ought to make
here, is, that one ought to be very circumspect ia
the judgments, which he delivers concerning mysteries
in religion. We ought to assert nothing but what
reason and scripture teach us in a clear and accurate

ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION. 117

manner. To give here free scope to imagination, to
be eager to decide every thing, is to put one's self
in evident danger of being deceived. One then
walks in a dark region ; he has no light to direct his
steps. If he refuses to stop, he runs a risk of wan-
dering from the path, of stumbling every moment,
and being precipitated into error.

5. Another reflection, which naturally follows
from our principles, is, that we ought to entertain
great candour towards those who fall into any error
with regard to mysteries. They are in truth guilty
of imprudence and temerity. They are wrong in
hazarding a decision on these matters, without hav-
ing a sufficient light by which to form a clear judg-
ment. But still, the subjects, on which their opin-
ions are erroneous, are very difficult ; it is not easy
to gain clear and exact ideas of them. The difficulty
of the matter in question requires, that we should exer-
cise indulgence and charity towards them. If the
point were concerning things obvious and evident,
on which it was easy to determine, one would have
some reason to censure them for the bad use they
made of their understanding. They have no excuse,
who suffer themselves to be deceived on subjects,
which have nothing in them but what is simple and
level to our capacity. But the more difficult a matter
is, the more easy is it to be deceived in our judgments
concerning it, and the more lenity and candour ought
we to cherish towards those, who have the misfortune

118 ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION.

to wander from the truth, on subjects so susceptible
of error and misapprehension.

6. Another reflection, which we will add on this
subject, is, that they are not the difficult and abstract
doctrines of religion, which ought to attract most of
our attention and study. Such doctrines are but of
little use and importance. Though we should med-
itate on them from morning to night, they would
contribute but very little to the illumination of our
minds, and the satisfaction of our hearts. We should
become neither much wiser nor much better. That,
which ought most to occupy us, is the meditation of
those plain and clear truths, which our religion con-
tains. It is the study of these truths, which, by the
light they diffuse in our minds, are efficacious in
sanctifying our hearts ; it is the study and practice
of our duties ; it is this which ought to constitute our
principal study, and our principal employment. In
this regard we ought to follow that excellent maxim
recorded in Deuteronomy ; " Secret things belong
to the Lord our God, but those things that are re-
vealed belong unto us, and to our children forever, in
order that we may observe all the words of this law."

But men have too much passion for mysteries
easily to acquire the moderation we here request of
them. They will have mysteries, that may serve to
occupy, to exercise, and to call forth their genius.
To cure them of this affection, which they have for
speculative doctrines, the contemplation of which is

ON MVSTERIES IN RELIGION. 119

a very useless employment, one must point out to
them subjects better suited to their capacities, and
on which they may exercise their understandings
with profit and advantage. Several of this kind we
might indicate to them. There are, for example, in
morality several nice and abstruse points, on which
we can acquire but imperfect ideas. These are
mysteries, into which it would be proper to make
deep researches ; it would be very useful to labour
assiduously here, in order to gain precision and
accuracy, that we may not be embarrassed on the
part we are to take, when we shall find ourselves in
situations, which require a clear perception of these
things. There are in the heart of man many depths,
which it would be useful for us frequently to sound.
" The heart of man," says the scripture, " is deceit-
ful above all things, and desperately wicked ; who
can know it ?" In general we know ourselves but
very imperfectly. We ought to labour to acquire as
accurate a knowledge of ourselves as possible. We
ought to endeavour to discover what is the situation
of our hearts ; what are the passions that commonly
agitate them ; what are the objects which make the
deepest impression upon them, and which serve to
excite the passions. We ought to endeavour to
discover the vain illusions which we cherish, and
by which we confirm ourselves every day in bad
habits. These are mysteries of iniquity, which
merit all our attention.

120 ON MYSTERIES IN RELIGION.

There are in the different bodies, which com-
pose this universe, infinite vestiges of the wisdom of
their Creator, which, through the slight attention
which we pay to them, make no impression upon
us. These are mysteries of nature, which well
deserve our most sedulous study. We ought to make
it our highest entertainment to survey, in the various
objects that surround us, the traces of divine skill,
which they exhibit to all attentive minds, in order to
be elevated by these means to those sentiments of
admiration, which we ought always to cherish for
the perfections of the supreme Being.

There are in the conduct, which God hath ob-
served in regard to his church, there are in the
favours which he hath lavished on mankind by the
mission of Jesus Christ, mysteries of wisdom, of
benevolence, of goodness, of holiness, of power, which
we can never sufficiently admire. St. Peter informs
us, " that the angels themselves desire to look into
these things." We ought not to be possessed with
less of this sacred ardour than they, in order to
furnish ourselves with just ideas of the wisdom,
goodness, and power, which God Almighty hath
manifested in the great work of our salvation. We
can never entertain ideas of it too exalted, or enter
into all the sentiments of admiration and gratitude,
which are adequate to the benefits which God has
conferred upon us. What idea soever we form of the
benevolence, which God has testified to us by Jesus

HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST. 121

Christ, there will always be a great number of cir-
cumstances that will escape us, and which a second
meditation will make us perceive. There will
always be in the love of God mysteries, which will
exercise our minds. We ought frequently to med-
itate on this important subject, in order to endeavour
to comprehend, with all saints, what is the breadth
and length, the depth and height of the love of Christ,
which surpasseth all knowledge. These are myste-
ries, very worthy of our attention ; which deserve
much better to employ us, than those abstract and
metaphysical mysteries, which exercise so unprofita-
bly the understanding of divines, and produce so
frequently acrimony, animosity, and divisions.

Honour due to Jesus Christ.

We use the term adore to express the honours,
which are due to the Divinity ; and this term is so
confined and restricted in our language, at least in
the mouth of Protestants, that it instantly awakens
the idea of the Supreme Being. This is not the
case with the Greek and Hebrew languages, in
which one finds no expression that is peculiar and
appropriated to this usage. They have only vague
terms, which mean in general every honour that is
paid to any one. The ordinary word, which they
f-mploy, signifies prostration ; and this token of
11

122 HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST.

respect was so common, especially amongst the
Easterns, that, not only they prostrated themselves
before their kings, but even before persons very far
from being considerable.

The thing is acknowledged by all the critics, and
on this fact they establish this principle ; that in
order to determine the degree of honour, we ought
to consider the quality of the persons, and the dif-
ferent relations, which they may support. For
example, if Lot prostrates himself before the two
angels, it is a civility which is paid to strangers ; if
Jacob prostrates himself before Esau, it is the
deference which a younger brother has for an elder ;
if Solomon prostrates himself before Bathsheba, as a
son he honours his mother; if Nathan prostrates
himself before David, as a subject he pays this hom-
age to his prince ; if the Magi prostrate themselves be-
fore Jesus Christ, in quality of new converts to Christ,
they pay their veneration to the Messiah ; in fine, if
Jesus Christ himself prostrate himself before God, it
is then a created being, who adores his Creator.
There is, therefore, nothing so general, nothing so
ambiguous as the act of prostration ; and when inter-
preters have translated it by adore, they have been
determined, not by the precision of the original, but
by the nature of the subject. In truth, they have
abused this rule more than once, by making it mil-
itate for their particular opinions. But this is not
the business in question ; it is sufficient that the rule

HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST. 123

i.s incontestible ; the manner of applying it only is
disputed.

If, then, the opinion of prostration is very equiv-
ocal, it cannot constitute the essence of adoration.
In effect, the soul cannot adore without the body,
and in vain doth the body bow itself, if the soul be
not directed towards the object of its worship. God
is a spirit, and it is his will, that those who worship
him should worship him with the devotion of the
mind ; and this interior adoration discriminates what
the exterior act appears to confound. When, there-
fore, the body prostrates itself, God does not take
this homage to his own account — thus far all is com-
mon between him and princes. But if at the same
lime the mind contemplates its Creator, acknowl-
edges him for the sole arbiter of its condition, reposes
an unreserved confidence in him, then it is that true
devotion is formed, the sole worship which God ap-
propriates to himself, and of which he appears to be
jealous when he says, " I will not give my glory to
another." It is his will, indeed, that his ambas-
sadors should be honoured, and in proportion to the
character which he impresses on them ; but he can-
not suffer that his own proper attributes should be
ascribed to them, and that men should substitute
them in the place of the Supreme Being.

This being laid down, it is asked what sort of
honour ought to be paid to Jesus Christ, and if he
ought to be worshipped with what is properly called

124 HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST.

adoration ? Sacred History informs us, that men
prostrated themselves before him, that they addressed
to him certain kinds of homage ; but it ought not to
be inferred from hence, that he is essentially and by
his own nature the supreme adorable Being. The
multitude, who wanted to make him king, prostrated
themselves before him ; yet they did not look upon
him as God, they only saw in him a prophet, and at
most the Messiah. One ought then to have recourse
here to our principle, and see under what quality
the scripture considers Jesus Christ, when it orders
us to pay him our homage. This we shall do by
examining the following passages.

" Jesus Christ humbled himself and became
obedient to death, even the death of the cross ;
wherefore hath God highly exalted him, and given
him a name above every name ; that at the name of
Jesus every knee should bow, and that every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father."

This passage is the clearest and most extensive
of any relating to this subject ; it furnishes us with a
kind of key to discover the meaning of others. It is
not the present business to indulge airy speculations,
and draw consequences till we lose sight of the sub-
ject. The great concern is to adhere religiously to
the precise and exact words. No subtilty can evade
their evidence ; they appear written with a sun-
beam. It is not for us to frame the objects of our

HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST. 125

worship, but it is for us to receive those which God
presents to us as such ; and we are commanded to
bow our knees before Jesus Christ, merely for this
reason, that God hath highly exalted him. The
Apostle doth not say, that Jesus Christ is the adora-
ble being of himself; if he had been of this opinion,
would he have forgotten the greatest of all the
motives ? Would he have diminished so much, or
rather, would he have annihilated the glory of Jesus
Christ? For, in fine, he who does not receive honours,
but in consequence of God's exalting him, is noth-
ing, in comparison of that Being, who is adorable by
his own nature. If then one prostrates himself before
Jesus Christ, he acknowledges thereby that he hath
been exalted above all the creatures ; and if every
tongue confesses that he is Lord, it is always with
this restriction, that he is only Lord to the glorv of
God the Father. So true is it, that the glory of the
Son is dependent on that of the Father ; it flows
from God as its source ; it is just that it should
return to God as its end. The moment it miscon-
ceives its original, it is dissipated and lost. " I seek
not my own glory," says the Saviour of the world,
" but the glory of him that sent me ; if I glorify my-
self, my glory is nothing."

" The Father hath committed all judgment to
the Son, that all should honour the Son, as thr\
honour the Father."
11*

JJG HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHKIST.

Our Lord here complains of the Jews, who
treated him with contempt, and endeavoured to take
away his life. It is not the concernment of his own
glory, which wrests from him this complaint ; but he
sees with grief the Divine Majesty attacked and out-
raged in his person ; " for whosoever honoureth not
the Son," adds he, " doth not honour the Father who
sent him." The insult which is offered to an am-
bassador recoils upon his master. If then Jesus
Christ commands, that all should honour the Son as
they honour the Father, it is not that he means to
equal himself to God ; he had just protested the con-
trary in the nineteenth verse ; he only assumes
here the title of God's Envoy ; and far from aspir-
ing to the same honours, he only appears sensible
of what wounds the glory of his Father.

The particle as, which he employs, does not
denote equality, but a mere resemblance. Ordinarily
it expresses the motive or example, and it only
exhibits the fact without determining the manner of
it ; for example, " Be ye perfect as your Father who
is in heaven is perfect," not in the same degree of per-
fection, but be ye perfect since your heavenly Father
is perfect. " Love one another as I have loved
you ;" not in the same degree of love, that is impos-
sible ; but love you one another, since I have also
ioved you. " I have given to them the glory which
thou hast given to me, that they may be one as we
are one ;" not in the same degree of union, but that

HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST. 127

they may be united together, since thou and I are
united. " Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive
those who have offended us ;" that is, Lord, we hope
from thy mercy that thou wouldst forgive us our sins,
since through that goodness, which is essential to
thee, thou desirest that we should forgive the faults
of others. There are a thousand examples of this
kind, which it would be tedious to collect together.
In like manner, " the Father hath committed all
judgment to the the Son, that all should honour the
Son as they honour the Father, for he that honour-
eth not the Son honoureth not the Father who sent
him." This doth not import the same degree of
honour ; and Jesus Christ intended to convey this
sentiment ; the Father hath invested his Son with
the power of judging the world ; and, therefore, you
ought to honour the Son, since you make a profes-
sion of honouring the Father ; for in honouring the
Son, you honour the Father who sent him ; and in
despising the character of the Son, you outrage the
majesty of the Father. But, further, he who sends
is always more honourable than the person sent ; he
who hath in himself the power to judge, ought to be
honoured in quality of Judge supreme ; and he who
hath received from another this power, cannot be
honoured but as subordinate judge. The thing
speaks of itself. Jesus Christ does not arrogate to
be honoured, but because he is sent of God, and
hath received from him the power of judging man~

128 HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST.

kind. He does not even exact this honour but
because the glory of his Father is interested in it,
and by no means on his own account ; so far is he
from setting off himself here for that Being, who is
adorable in his own nature.

And again, when he bringeth in the First-begot-
ten into the world, he saith " Let all the angels of
God worship him."

The author had just said with regard to Jesus
Christ, that he was made as much more excellent
than the angels, as he had by inheritance a more
excellent name than theirs. This is afterwards
proved, first, from the circumstance of God's having
consecrated and constituted him king ; secondly,
from the angels prostrating themselves before him ;
and the Apostle, according to the custom of his time,
expresses his thoughts in scriptural language, by
accommodating to his subject three passages. The
first, " Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten
thee ;" the second, " I will be to him a Father, and
he shall be to me a Son ;" the third, " Let all the
angels of God worship him." However, two things
appear to me incontestible ; the one is, that God is
here really distinguished from Jesus Christ, — God,
who consecrates and who introduces his first-born
Son, from Jesus Christ, who is consecrated and
afterwards presented to the angels. The other is,
that it is in quality of a man, and of a man more
excellent than the angels, that Jesus Christ is repre-

HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST. 129

sented to us in this place ; " He was made as much
more excellent than the angels, as he hath obtained
by inheritance a more excellent name than theirs ;"
and to illustrate this proposition, the writer alleges
the testimony of scripture. For God saith, when he
introduceth his first-born Son into the world, " Let
all the angels of God worship him." Now, he who
was made more excellent than the angels, and who
inherited a name more excellent than theirs, could
only be a created being ; and consequently it is as a
created being exalted above them, that the angels
consider Jesus Christ, and render him their respect
and homage.

It does not follow from their prostrating them-
selves before him, that they regard him as the self-
adorable Being. When the herald, who preceded
Pharaoh and Joseph, cried out to the Egyptians,
" Bow the knee," they did not fail distinguishing their
sovereign from the new minister, though the honours
they paid them were confounded in one and the
same act. And the angels, who are still more
enlightened, are far from incurring a mistake here.
When God introduces his first-born Son, undoubtedly
they distinguish the Supreme Being from a man ;
him who gives the authority, from him who receives
it. And they are so far from taking this new King
for the self-adorable Being, that they had no knowl-
edge of him before, and did not address their homage
to him till after God had presented him to them.

130 HONOUR DDE TO JESUS CHRIST,

The Being, who by his own nature is adorable, has
no need of an introducer ; he has only to show him-
self, in order to draw upon himself the respect
which is due to him. With regard to this first-born
Son, it was necessary that God should introduce him
to his court ; it was not till after an order from him
that the angels worshipped him. By this act of sub-
mission, they therefore acknowledge that God has
highly exalted him, and given him a name above
every name ; they confess that Jesus Christ is their
Lord, but with this reserve, they are not ignorant
that, if he hath been constituted Lord, it is solely to
the glory of God the Father.

" To Him, who sitteth upon the throne, and to
the Lamb, be praise, honour, glory, and power for-
ever and ever."

These words were pronounced in a vision which
St. John had. It will be proper to relate the prin-
cipal circumstances of it. " A throne was erected in
heaven, and there was one who sat upon the throne.
The four living creatures ceased not to cry, Holy,
Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who wast, who
art, and who shalt be. And the four and twenty
elders fell down before him who sat upon the throne,
and worshipped him who liveth forever and ever,
saying, Worthy art thou, O Lord, to receive glory,
honour, and power, for thou hast created all things,
and by thy will they subsist. Then I saw a book in
the right hand of him who sat upon the throne ; and

HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST. 131

an angel proclaimed with a loud voice, Who is worthy
to open the book ? Now no one had power to open
or to read it. And I wept much that no one was
found worthy to open the book. Now there was
between the throne and the four living creatures a
Lamb, as if he had just been slain. He advanced,
and took the book out of the right hand of him who
sat upon the throne ; then the four living creatures
and the four and twenty elders fell down before the
Lamb, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, be-
cause thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God
by thy blood. I heard also every creature say, To
him who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb
be praise, honour, glory, and power, forever and
ever."

It is evident, that he who sat upon the throne is
an object really distinct from the Lamb ; and it
would be unnecessary to insist upon a thing so clear.
God holds then here the first rank, as a King
sitting upon a throne ; and after him Jesus Christ,
under the figure of a Lamb who hath been slain.
The first of these two images suits extremely well to
the Supreme Being ; and the second describes to us,
very naturally, a man who died for the salvation of
the world. Here you see the Deity essentially sup-
port himself, and secure, by his own proper nature,
homage and adoration. Here, a Lamb, favoured of
God, presents itself, and receives not honours but
only because it is found worthy to open the book.

132 HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST.

This distinction is one of the principal foundations of
the vision, and it is upon it we will erect the follow-
ing explication.

The text describeth him who sat upon the throne
as being exalted above the Lamb ; and it does not
follow that they are equal in dignity because their
praises are combined together, and because they
receive the same external homage. Two objects, in
other respects very different, may possess something
in common, and preserve, however, their natural sub-
ordination. When the sacred history says of the Isra-
elites, that they worshipped God and the king, after
David had finished his prayer, it is not that they con-
founded the Almighty and the king, though the external
homage was the same ; but in prostrating themselves
before the Almighty, they adored the Creator of the
world ; and in prostrating themselves before their
prince, they acknowledged him for their lawful sover-
eign. When it is also said of the Israelites, that they
believed in God and in Moses, this doth not import
that they had in Moses precisely the same confi-
dence that they ought to have in God ; but they
believed in God, because he is truth itself ; and they
believed in Moses, because he spoke to them on the
part of God. When the Apostles say, " It pleased
us and the Holy Ghost," it is not that they presumed
to equal themselves to the Holy Ghost ; but it
pleased the Holy Ghost, because he is the Supreme
Arbiter ; and it pleased the Apostles, because they

HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST. 133

were animated by the Holy Ghost. When St. John
himself utters this devout wish, " Grace and peace
be unto you from him who was, who is, and who
shall be ; from the seven spirits who stand before
the throne, and from Jesus Christ," his design is not
to erect the seven spirits into as many divinities ; for
even by that circumstance stayirfing before the
throne, they manifest their dependence in regard to
God, and the attention they pay to execute his com-
mands. But St. John wishes peace to the faithful
from him who was, is, and shall be, as the sole and
eternal source of true felicity ; and he wishes them
peace from the seven spirits, as these were to be the
instruments and scourges with which God was going
to punish the enemies of his church.

When, therefore, the creatures say here, " To
him who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb,
be glory an ' praise," it is not that they confound the
Lamb with him who sat upon the throne ; but they
render to God what appertains to God, and to the
Lamb what appertains to the Lamb. They praise
and honour them conformably to our principle ; that
is, each according to his nature and according to bis
qualities. They praise and honour God as their
Creator, and the sole adorable Being ; for they had
just said to him, " Lord, thou art worthy to re-
ceive glory and honour, because thou hast created
all things, and by thy will they subsist." But they
praise and honour the Lamb as him who redeemed
12

134 HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST.

them by his blood, and who was found worthy to
open the book ; for they had just said to him, " Thou
art worthy to take the book and to unseal it, because
thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God."
Such is the striking distinction which they observe
even amidst their confused and mingled acclamations.
And this subordination, which obtains between God
and the Lamb, subsists so entirely, that the Lamb
himself, when praising God is the concernment, joins
his voice to the voices of the living creatures. Whilst
he was upon earth, and after he is glorified in heaven,
he never ceased to bless the Creator, and to pay his
profoundest gratitude. " I will declare thy name to
my brethren, and I will sing praises to thee in the
midst of the church. Him that overcometh I will
make a pillar to the temple of my God, that is, of
the God whom I invoke and whom I adore." A
few verses after, there is mention made of the Song
of Moses and the Lamb ; " Great and marvellous
are thy works, Lord God Almighty. Who is there
who will not fear and celebrate thy name, for thou
alone art holy." What Moses had sung after the
departure from Egypt, the Lamb applies to our
spiritual deliverance. In fine, as the adorations had
begun with him, who sat upon the throne, and with-
out the Lamb having any part in them, they also
terminate in God alone ; and St. John, after having
heard the concert of the living creatures, perceived
the four and twenty elders, who fell down and wor-

HONOUR DUE TO JESUS CHRIST. 135

shipped him who liveth forever and ever. And even
he is always worshipped singly in the sequel of the
vision, which evinces that he is essentially adorable ;
whilst they did not prostrate themselves before the
Lamb, but on the day that he was installed and
deemed worthy to open the book. Consequently,
the honours, which he receives, are attached to his
employment, and by no means to his own nature.

From all these passages it is easy to conclude,
what sort of honour we owe to Jesus Christ ; they
teach us, with one unanimous consent, that it is in
virtue of his exaltation, and not of any right which
he essentially possesseth. On the other hand, we
see not in any respect that he is the self-adorable
Being ; and for myself, I confess, that such silence
very much strikes me ; at least it merits some atten-
tion ; and that one should suspend for a moment his
prejudices, before he incurs a rash and precipitate
adoration. We ought, therefore, carefully to consult
the scripture, for fear of worshipping we know not
what. Every time that it commands me to pay my
homage to Jesus Christ, it always adds certain restric-
tions ; it saves so evidently the rights of the Creator,
that they cannot receive from it any derogation. On
the contrary, they only appear to be better estab-
lished ; for it tells me, that I ought to honour Jesus
Christ, sometimes, because God hath highly exalted
him, and invested him with a dignity superiour to the
angels, and sometimes because the glory of the

136 POWER OF JESUS CHRIST.

Supreme is here interested ; in that he sees himself
honoured, when we respect the character of his
Ambassador. Thus, I regard Jesus Christ as the
great and infallible teacher ; I admire his power, his
virtues, his extraordinary talents ; I acknowledge him
for my superior, and as the person who is one day
to be my judge ; I acknowledge that, after God, he
is the author of my salvation ; I am penetrated with
gratitude towards him ; I celebrate his memory ; and
the honours which I render him keep pace with the
measure of my praises. I abase myself before the
king of kings ; I respect in him the image and capital
production of the Deity ; above all, I honour him
when I strive to obey him, and when I take his pre-
cepts for the rule of my life. This is the manner of
honouring Jesus Christ, at least it appears to me to
be the true one ; and it is permitted to every one to
follow those sentiments, which, after diligent inquiry,
lie believes to have the sanction of revelation,

Power of Jesus Christ.

The Jews had generally this opinion, tint mala-
dies, especially if they were inveterate and incurable,
were ordinarily the punishment of some sin, whether
they were a natural consequence of it, or were sent
supernaturally. They even believed with the Pytha-
goreans and several Eastern nations, that souls were

POWER OF JESUS CHRIST.

137

created before God united them to bodies ; and in
order to punish them, or to recompense them, he
lodged them in vigorous and well made bodies, or
plunged them into infirm and deformed ones. Wit-
ness what the Author of Wisdom makes Solomon
say ; " I was a goodly child, and a good soul fell to
my lot ; or rather, being good, I came into a body
exempt from every blemish." Witness the Apostles,
who, in regard to the man, who was blind from his
birth, inquired of our Lord, " Who had sinned, this
man, or his parents, that he should be born blind."
Witness also the Pharisees, who say to this same
person ; " Thou wast born in sin, and dost thou
teach us, thou, who wast born with this defect, but
on account of the sins which thou connnittedst in
another life, or because those who were the instru-
ments of thy birth, were actually sunk in depravity."
Let us now proceed to the immediate considera-
tion of this passage. The paralytic desired to be
cured, and our Lord replies to him, " Son, be of
good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee." To pardon
sins, is properly to deliver from the punishment
which they have merited, and this is the signification
of the Greek term. We have seen, that the Jews
regarded certain maladies as a consequence of sin,
and a chastisement of God. Perhaps this man had
lost the use of his limbs by his having lived in de-
bauchery and irregularity. As if Christ had said to
him; Cease, my son, to afflict and deject yourself ;
12*

138 POWER OF JESUS CHRIST.

you have obtained the pardon of those sins, which
have drawn down upon you this just punishment
of heaven, and you are going to be delivered from
your malady. The question then is not here of a
general pardon of all his sins, which is never offered
but on condition of repentance ; nor of deliverance
from the punishments of the other life, which depend
on the immutable laws of justice.

To be convinced of the truth of our interpreta-
tion, it suffices to attend to the sequel of the story.
The Jewish doctors, full of envy against Christ, and
always ready to give an invidious turn to his words,
treated them as blasphemous, as if he usurped a right
which only appertained to the Deity. But in a spir-
ited manner he repels the calumny ; " Why," says
he to them, " do you form such a rash judgment ; for
which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee ;
or to say, Rise up and walk ?" If I can cure this
man, and deliver him from the punishment of his
sins, cannot I say to him, without violating the glory
of God, The sins which have drawn upon thee this
punishment are forgiven thee ? Does not the one
suppose the other ? And to show you in fact that I
have power to pardon sins on earth, or to take away
the punishments with which they are often followed
in this life, Rise, said he to the paralytic, and go to
thy home.

But let us make the greatest concession, and
suppose, that one must understand here the general

POWER OF JESUS CHRIST. 139

pardon of all his sins ; does it follow from this, that
Jesus Christ is equal to the Deity ? By no means ;
for does not he himself say to the Apostles, " Whose-
soever sins you forgive, they shall be forgiven ?" It
remains therefore to know, if he pardons them by
his own pure authority, which he neither here nor
any where else asserts ; or if he pardons them only
in virtue of a power received from God, which the
Gospel clearly intimates, " The multitude," it con-
tinues, " glorified God, who had granted such power
to men."

This further appears from the words of our Lord.
According to him, it was as much permitted to say
to the paralytic, " Thy sins are forgiven thee ;" as
to say to him, " Rise and walk." He lays it down
as a principle, which the Jewish doctors could not
contest, that it was permitted him to say, " Rise and
walk ;" whence he concludes, that he could say
without blasphemy, " Thy sins are forgiven thee."
Now this consequence would not be just, if the
absolute power of forgiving was attributed to him ;
for this right does not appertain but to God alone,
and the gift of healing may be found in a mere
prophet.

Add to this the perpetual language of Jesus
Christ, who refers every thing that he did to the
influence and support of his father. " All power is
given to me," and, consequently, this of pardoning.
"The Father hath committed all judgment to the

140 POWER OF JESUS CHRIST.

Son," that is, the power of condemning and of
absolving. " I judge as I hear ;" he could not then
absolve of his own mere suggestion. " To sit on my
right hand or on my left, is not mine to give ;" this
distinction is only for those for whom my Father hath
prepared it. If he has not the privilege of glorifying,
he has not that also of justifying ; for the one is a
consequence of the other. If from the master you
pass to the disciples, they will tell you, that if he
pardons sins, it is in virtue of his exaltation and not
of his divine nature ; for it is he whom God hath
raised by his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour,
to give to Israel repentance and remission of sins.
The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews will tell
us also, that no one attributes to himself the honour
of offering for sins, if he is not called of God ; and
that also Jesus Christ did not glorify himself to be
high priest c If he could not himself offer for sins,
much less could he of himself pardon them.

I shall conclude with this argument ; he who is
our interpreter with God, to obtain of him the for-
giveness of our sins, has not originally and of himself
the power of forgiving us. Now the Scripture every
where represents to us Jesus Christ as our intercessor
with God, to obtain from him the forgiveness of our
sins ; Jesus Christ therefore cannot have originally
and of himself the power of forgiving them.

See a remarkable note of Diodati on that passage
in the Hebrews ; " Thou, Lord, hast laid the founda-

ON THE HOLY SPIRIT. 141

tion of the earth." The sense of this place, as it is
here alleged, is no other but that the kingdom of
Christ which is manifestly spoken of in that passage,
Psalm cii. 26, is eternal, and not perishable like the
state of the world. Observe howr peremptorily he
excludes every other sense.

I felicitate myself on having the concurrence of
this most excellent man, one of the brightest lumi-
naries that shone in the Synod of Dort.

On the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit, or the Spirit of God, in the
primary and natural sense, signifies only the power
of God, or the virtue by which he operates. To be
convinced of this, it would be sufficient to attend to
the etymology of the word, which in the Hebrew,
Greek, and Latin languages, means the breath of
God, and which seems to denote rather a quality,
than a person distinct from God himself.

1. Various passages of scripture put this beyond
a doubt. " When thou hidest thy face," says the
psalmist, " the creatures die ; but if thou sendest thy
spirit, they are immediately created." " The spirit
of God made me," says Elihu, " and the breath
of the Almighty quickened me." " God," says Job,
" made the heavens by his spirit,'''' that is, by his
power and agency, as the sequel shows.

142 OS THE HOLT SPlAlT.

This term hath preserved the same signification
in the books of the New Testament. " The Holy
Spirit," says the angel to Mary, " shall come upon thee
from on high, and the power of the Most High shall
overshadow thee." The Holy Spirit, and the
power of the Most High, as is here evident, are one
and the same thing in the style of the angels. " I
am going to send you," said Christ to his Apostles,
" what my Father promised me, but do you stay in
Jerusalem till you be endowed with power from on
high;" this is what our Saviour calls the Holy
Spirit, which was to descend on the Apostles upon
the day of Pentecost. " You know," says St. Peter,
" how God animated Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy
Ghost and with poiuer." " My discourse and my
preaching," says St. Paul, " consisted not in those
persuasive words, which human wisdom employs,
but in a demonstration of spirit and of power."

From all these passages it is evident, that Holy
Spirit, power, and agency, are terms of the same
import in the New Testament. And this virtue
resides essentially in God, as in its source and only
principle, from whence it hath been diffused as it
were into several small rivulets in the prophets and
Apostles.

2. But by a figure, very customary in all lan-
guages, and principally in the Eastern languages, it
frequently happens, that they personify what are
merely simple qualities, and speak of them as they

ON THE HOLY SPIRIT. 143

would of a person. For example, when we say that
the Supreme Wisdom is admirable in every thing
that it does, we understand the Creator considered
under the quality of Wise. Thus the Holy Spirit,
though it is only the power and influence of the
Deity, is sometimes taken for the person of God
himself, in as much as it works, as it operates ; and
sometimes even for holy men, to whom God com-
municates his power and his influence. I say that
it is taken for God himself ; witness the words of
St. Peter to Ananias ; " Whence comes it that Satan
hath filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit ;"
that is, to God, as it is directly after explained ;
" Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."

3. I assert, also, that it is sometimes taken for
those holy men to whom God communicates his
power and influence. " Believe not every spirit"
says St. John, " but try the spirits whether they be
of God ;" that is, believe not every teacher lightly,
who says he is inspired of God, but examine if he be
truly so. " Hereby know we," adds he, " that a
spirit is from God ;" every spirit that confesses that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God. "It
seemed not good to us and to the Holy Spirit," say
the Apostles, that is, to us who are inspired of God,
and invested with his power and his authority.
" Baptize the nations into the name of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit ;" that is, in order to be
called the disciples of the Father, who was revealed

144

ON THE HOLY SPIRIT.

under the Old Testament ; and of the Son, who
teaches under the Gospel ; and of the Apostles,
who are inspired of God, and whose determinations
ought to be regarded as oracles.

4. By a signification, which approaches very
near to the preceding, it is also taken for the spirit of
man, but then it is a spirit that is enlightened, sancti-
fied, renewed, and endowed with gifts both ordinary
and extraordinary ; such, in a word, as the spirit of
the Apostles became in the day of Pentecost. This
is that spirit, that Jesus Christ had promised them
a little before his death ; not that, properly speaking,
it was not the same spirit which they had before ;
but one may say, that they then received a new spirit,
by the sudden and surprising revolution, which was
made in their persons. A spirit of consolation, of
force, and of courage, instead of that timid and de-
jected spirit, which they discovered at the appear-
ance of the least danger. A spirit, which was to
recall to them every thing that Jesus Christ had said
to them, while before they were but little attentive to
the discourse of their master. A spirit of truth, which
was to lead them into all the truths, in opposition to
the errors and prejudices with which their minds were
filled. A spirit, which would no longer speak its
own private conceptions, but faithfully declare every
thing it had learned, very different from that rush
spirit which hazarded its opinions too lightly, and
often apprehended for truth, what had only the ap-

ON THE HOLY SPIRIT. 145

pearance of it ; in fine, a meek, charitable, moderate
spirit, in opposition to that spirit, with which they
were animated when they wanted to make fire de-
scend from heaven to destroy the unbelieving Sama-
ritans.

5. The Holy Spirit also signifies, very frequently,
the holy dispositions or qualities of the spirit, which
the gospel gives us. This is so clear and so little
contested, that we will not stay to give illustrations
of it.

G. Behold here five different significations of the
term Holy Spirit, or Spirit of God. It signifies, first,
the power or influence of the Deity, whether it be
considered in God, or in holy persons to whom God
communicates it ; secondly, it is taken for the per-
son itself of the Deity ; thirdly, for men who are
animated with this spirit ; fourthly, for the spirit of
man, as being enlightened and renewed by an extra-
ordinary grace ; fifthly, for those dispositions of
spirit, which the Gospel requires. To which one
may add a sixth sense, which is not different from
the second, only as it is supported on a different
reason. It is this ; the Scripture sometimes repre-
senting God under the idea of a man, attributes to
him also a soul or a spirit ; and it speaks of this
spirit of God, as we speak of the spirit of man.
" Who knows," says St. Paul, " what is in man,
except the spirit of man which is in him ? Even so,"
adds he, " no one knoweth what is in God, except
13

146 ON THE HOLY SPIRIT.

the spirit of God ;" that is to say, God himself.
" Take heed," says he in another place, " that you
grieve not the spirit of God." This signifies, oblige
not God to repent of the favours he hath bestowed
upon you ; as it is said of St. Paul, that he grieved
at the view of the idolatry of the Athenians.

All the rules which have just been established are
very conformable to scripture and the genius of lan-
guage. They also accord extremely well with the
unity of God, which is here a kind of fixed point, from
which, in this dispute, one ought never to deviate. One
cannot say the same of a seventh sense which is very
frequent with divines, which is, to understand by the
Holy Spirit, a person really distinct from God the
Father ; or, to speak of their art with more exact-
ness, the third person of a Trinity in the Divine
Essence. This new sense, if it is true that one can
call it sense, of words which are totally strangers to
it, besides that it is useless and superfluous in ex-
plaining sacred scripture, appears to me to contain
insurmountable difficulties.

For if the Holy Spirit be a person distinct from
God the Father, whence comes it that the Scripture
does not say so in express terms ? And the more,
as it seems to intimate the contrary, and precipitate
us into error, when it speaks of the Holy Spirit, as
if it was nothing but the agency of God. Is it for
this reason divines allege, that there must be in
mysteries a mixture of light and darkness ; light

ON THE HOLY SPIRIT. 147

enough to illuminate those, who have the disposition
to believe, and darkness enough to blind the unbeliev-
ers ; as the cloud, which was luminous on one side
to the Israelites, but was nothing but darkness on the
side of the Egyptians ?

If the Holy Spirit be a divine person, whence
comes it, that the Scripture never calls him God, and
seems even to distinguish him from the Deity every
time that it calls him the Spirit of God? For when
we say the will of man, by this itself we distinguish
it from the man.

Whence comes it, that it hath never commanded
us to worship the Holy Spirit, to invoke him, to
render him our homage, sinee he hath so great a part
in the work of our salvation ?

Why ask the Father for the gifts of the Holy
Spirit, instead of addressing him, who on this scheme
is the author and source of them ?

Whence comes it, that the scripture omits the
Holy Spirit in those passages where, on these princi-
ples, he ought to have been mentioned ? " This is
eternal life, that they may know thee the only true
God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." Why
not speak of the Holy Spirit ? St. Paul always
introduces at the head of his Epistles, " Grace and
peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ ;"
why not here also mention the Holy Ghost ? "We
have fellowship with the Father and with the Son ;"
why not also add the Holy Ghost, of which we are

148 ON THE HOLY SPIRIT.

the temples ? And an infinite number of like pas-
sages, where the Holy Ghost is always omitted. But
what is more, the sacred writers often put angels
in his place. " I conjure you in the presence of
God, of Jesus Christ, and his elect angels. — Him
who shall overcome, I will proclaim his name be-
fore my Father and before his angels. — But he, who
shall be ashamed of me, of him shall the Son of man
be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory,
and glory of his Father and the angels. — Grace and
peace be from him who is, who was, and who is to
come, and from the seven spirits, who are before the
the throne and before Jesus Christ." Why intro-
duce angels into the third place, where the Holy
Ghost should naturally have come, if it were true
that he is a Divine Person, and the third in the
Trinity ?

Whence comes it, that Jesus Christ is always called
the Son of God, and never the Son of the Holy Ghost,
though he was conceived of him ? When the angel
says to Mary, " The Holy Ghost shall come upon
thee, wherefore that which shall be born of thee
shall be called the Son of God ;" whence comes it,
that it is not rather said, the Son of the Holy Ghost?
And consequently there will be two Fathers and two
Sons in the Trinity ; but whence comes it, that
according to scripture, there is one Father only, and
one Son only ?

Christ's charge to his apostles. 149

Christ's Charge to his Apostles.

" Go, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost." These words, which Jesus Christ spoke to
his disciples, before he ascended to heaven, contain
two principal things ; first, a command to spread
throughout the whole world the doctrine of the Gos-
pel, " Go, and teach all nations ;" or, according to
the proper signification of the Greek term, make
disciples among all nations ; secondly, the establish-
ment of baptism, with the design of that ceremony ;
" baptizing them in, or rather, for, the name of the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." In effect,
the preposition in the original expresses the end and
design which one proposes to one's self. Let us
attempt, then, to discover what was the view of our
Lord, when he ordered his disciples " to baptize for
the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit."

Jesus Christ, who lived among the Jews, ordi-
narily makes allusions to their customs, frequently
even borrows their own terms, as might be proved
from an infinite number of examples. This expres-
sion of baptizing for the name of a thing is found in
their formularies or liturgies. When they admitted
a pagan into their religion, they baptized him for the
name of proselyte, that is, to be henceforth called
13*

150 Christ's charge to his apostles.

proselyte, and to enjoy privileges annexed to this
denomination. If he was retained in the service of
any one, he was baptized for the name of servant :
and if he was set free, he was baptized for the name
of free, that is, to be called servant or free, accord-
ingly as it pleased his master to favour him.

St. Paul also uses the same phrase in the same
acceptation, when he reproaches the Corinthians
with their schisms and divisions, a prelude of that
party spirit, which hath for a long time reigned in
the Christian Church. " One said, I am the disciple
of St. Paul ; another, I am of Apollos ; a third, I
am of Cephas j" pretty much as they now say, I am
a Lutheran, I am a Calvinist. The Apostle con-
demns, as a bad thing, this extravagant attachment
to particular teachers ; he wants to crush the evil in
its birth, and to abolish those odious titles, which
serve as a standard to religious mutiny. With this
design he calls back the Corinthians to their baptism ;
Were you baptized, says he to them, for the name of
Paid, that is, to bear my name, and to call your-
selves my disciples ? You were baptized for the
name of Christ, and you ought to denominate your-
selves Christians and not Paulinists.

At present it is easy to understand these words,
" Go, and make disciples among all nations, baptiz-
ing them for the name of the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit." They signify ; Baptize them to
be denominated disciples of the Father, the Son, and

Christ's charge to his apostles. 151

the Holy Spirit ; the disciples of the Father, who
was revealed in the Old Testament ; disciples of the
Son, who had just spoken to them in the Gospel ;
disciples of the Holy Spirit, which was to instruct
them by means of the Apostles. The Jews only-
received the old revelation, and could only be called
the disciples of the Father. But the faith of
Christians is of much larger extent ; they embrace
also the doctrine of Jesus Christ ; and besides the
character of disciples of the Father, they moreover
call themselves the disciples of the Son. In fine, as
the Son had not time to regulate all things, and,
after his ascension into heaven, the church had still
need of a living authority upon earth, we are called to
hearken to a third Instructer, the Holy Spirit, which
speaks to us by the mouth of the Apostles. Where-
fore it is, that when they decide a contested point,
they say, " It pleased us and the Holy Spirit ;" and
those who submit to their doctrine make a profes-
sion of being the disciples of the Holy Spirit.

These are the three great and infallible author-
ities which in our baptism we solemnly protest to
follow ; but, ultimately, it must not be thought, that
there is any distinction among them. They all three
constitute but one and the same authority. As the
Israelites, who believed in God and in Moses,* had
not two different objects of their faith, and only

* The Fathers, under (he old dispensation, were baptized into
Moses, or acknowledged themselves the disciples of Moses.

152 GENERAL VIEW OP THE LORD'S SUPPER.

believed in God alone, who spoke to them by the
ministry of Moses ; we Christians also do not believe
but only in one and the same God, who first spoke
to us by Moses and the prophets, afterwards by his
Son, and last of all by the Apostles.

General View of the Lord's Supper.

Nothing is more clear, nothing more simple,
than the Eucharist or Lord's supper, in the manner
in which it was established by Jesus Christ. What
it offers to our senses is nothing else but bread and
wine ; and what it exhibits to the mind under these
tokens is an event very easy to comprehend.

But in proportion to its farther and farther re-
moteness from its original, it lost much of this amia-
ble simplicity. It was imagined, that in order to
render it more august, it had occasion for ornaments;
and to conciliate more respect to it, it ought to be
rendered mysterious.

At last it hath undergone the same fate, which
almost all things in religion have experienced.
Divines, according to their custom, have monopolized
it, though it was instituted particularly for the peo-
ple ; and by a thousand subtleties, which they have
contrived to weave around it, they have appropriated
it to themselves in such a manner, that it is inacces-

GENERAL VIEW OP THE LORD'S SUPPER. 153

sible to the greatest part of understandings, even of
those who value themselves on being better instructed
than the vulgar.

Happv too would it have been for the world, had
divines contented themselves with this, and if this
abuse had not produced consequences so deplorable;
hence have arisen those differences, and animosities,
which incessantly cause new disorders ; hence those
schisms so ruinous to the church, which tear and
divide it so cruelly. Thus it is. that the Eucharist,
which ought to conciliate and harmonize mankind,
produces a quite contrary effect, and serves, so to
speak, as a standard to their religious dissensions.

Instead of extinguishing all their discords, or at
least suspending them for one day ; instead of all then
regarding themselves as the disciples of the same
master, whose memory they unite to honour, and as
children of the same family, who all cherish the same
hopes ; it is precisely then, that they are split into
divisions, and the spirit of party summons all its
forces; every one ranks under the banners of his
sect ; they vehemently clamour one to another,
" No communion to-day ;" they erect altar against
altar, they fulminate anathemas from all sides ; and
if the sentence was ratified in heaven, God knows
what would be the consequence. Happily he hears
not the prayers of those men, who know not what
spirit they are of.

154 GENERAL VIEW OF THE LORd's SUPPER.

Strange ! What was destined in its nature to
cement union, is itself become the signal of war !
That which was a festival of love and benevolence
among the primitive Christians, and which they
called, for this purpose, by the name of Agape, that
this should have thrown among their descendants an
apple of discord, and with it all the horrors of
division.

One cannot, therefore, militate more directly
against the genius and design of the Eucharist. In
general, nothing can be farther from religion than
subtly ; it will never in itself give occasion to
contests ; and the ceremony now in question is the
only thing in the world, that ought to be the least
subject to them. Considered as a practice merely
external, there was a necessity for its being very
simple, and exempt from refinement ; otherwise the
Gospel, whose character it is to be spiritual, so far
from introducing it, would never have suffered it.
Thus it proposes it in a plain, natural manner, which
makes us suspect nothing of the marvellous ; it pro-
poses it even in two or three words, which exhaust
the subject.

After this, how could it open such a vast field to
divines, so as to furnish them with two or three
hundred very knotty questions ? There would, in-
deed, be occasion for astonishment, if they flowed
naturally from scripture, and one did not know, upon
other occasions, the fruitfulness of the human imag-

GENERAL VIEW OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 155

ination, to which it is best to yield all the honour of
these discoveries. But such a source as this, does
it not beget some distrust, and form some prejudice
against these speculations ? Thus we shall abandon
them with less regret to ascend to the primary insti-
tution of the true Eucharist, such as it is described
by the sacred historians.

Jesus Christ came into the world to banish from
thence ignorance and superstition, to teach mankind
a doctrine which would lead them back from vice to
virtue, from the misery, in which they lived, to a
true and solid felicity. A doctrine, which needs
only appear, methinks, to be received with avidity,
such are its attractions and dignity, such power has
it to win the hearts of men ; but excellent as it was,
prejudices, aided by passions, strove to crush it in
its birth, and at last cost the life of its divine
author.

Instructed in the motives, which actuated his
enemies, he might have withdrawn himself from their
cruel pursuits ; but this conduct, of which self love
would have availed itself, would have proved fatal
to the establishment of the Christian religion. Either
he must brave the danger in supporting what he had
advanced ; and the disinterestedness which he
showed imparted a new eclat to truth ; or he must
in some manner recede, which would have been an
irreparable injury to a doctrine so salutary. It
would have been suspected of imposture, and error

156 GENERAL VIEW OP THE LORD'S SUPPER.

would have triumphed over truth, which would never
have found zealous disciples from the moment they
should have seen their chief intimidated by menaces.
Touched, therefore, with the fatal state to which
depravity had reduced the world, convinced that by
sacrificing himself he gave the last blow to sin, he
saw the necessity of such a sacrifice, and took the
generous resolution of shedding his own blood, rather
than put any obstacle to the salvation of man.

With this view he assembles his disciples in order
to prepare them for this event ; and, seeing them
overwhelmed in profound grief, he addresses to
them the most tender and consolatory discourse.
Sometimes he explains to them the reasons of his
undertaking, and the advantageous consequences it
was going to produce. He had said to them a little
before, predicting the manner of his death, " If I be
lifted up above the earth, I will draw all men after
me." He also makes them look upon his own death
as a sure means of vanquishing the world. Some-
times he exhorts them to patience, and not to suffer
themselves to be shaken by persecution. Sometimes
he recommends to them the important duty of
benevolence, repeats it, and enforces it by his own
example. " This is my commandment, that you
love one another as I have loved you." Greater
love can no one have than to lay down his life for
his friend. And in order to preserve the memory

GENERAL VIEW OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 157

of this signal benefit, amidst all these discourses he
establishes the ceremony of the Eucharist.

The circumstance of the time was favourable.
It was then the day of the Passover, the grand festi-
val of the Jews. Jesus Christ celebrated it with his
disciples, with the design of making it serve to an-
other usage. As they were yet at supper, he took
bread, and agreeably to the custom of the Jews,
observed especially in the Paschal solemnity, he
gave thanks to the Deity that he had given men
bread for their nourishment ; after which he parted
it into several morsels, which he distributed to the
Apostles, saying to them, " Take and eat, this is my
body, which is broken for you ; do this in remem-
brance of me."

As if he had said, It is necessary that I should
be sacrificed in order to accomplish the work with
which I am charged ; it is a payment which I owe
to God, who hath entrusted me with the salvation of
the world ; the interests of truth require a victim —
lo here it is — it is my body. This news afflicts you,
but it ought to be to yourselves an example of cour-
age and firmness. And in order to represent to you
my body which is going to be broken, eat of this
bread which I have cut into morsels for you. I now
do not say to you ; This is the bread of affliction,
which your Fathers eat in Egypt ; I say to you,
" This is my body which is broken for you." This
ceremony is no longer to celebrate the departure
14

158 GENERAL VIEW OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.

out of Egypt, but affectionately to perpetuate the
idea of your Saviour j "At all times, therefore, that
you shall be together, do this in remembrance of
me."

He afterwards took a cup full of wine, which he
presented to his disciples, with a command to them
all to drink of it. " For," says he, " this is my
blood, the blood of the New Covenant, which is
shed for many, to obtain the remission of their sins."
They seldom made a solemn treaty, but they slew a
victim, in order to render it in some measure more
sacred, and thereby confirm it the more. Thus
Moses did, and made himself a sprinkling of blood
upon the Israelites ; ".This is the blood of the Cove-
nant," said he, " which the Lord makes with you."
In like manner, the blood, which Jesus Christ shed,
established the truth of his Gospel, serves as a foun-
dation to the New Covenant ; and this effusion of his
blood is figuratively represented to us by the wine in
the Eucharist. Wherefore drink you all of it, if you
have any regard for the sacrifice which I offer to
God, and to truth ; for this wine is the symbol of
my blood which I am going to shed in favour of men,
to the end that being confirmed in the profession of
my doctrine, they may obtain the pardon of their
sins.

Such is the origin of the Eucharist, such the end
which its Author assigns to it. One perceives noth-
ing here that savours of mystery. Every thing in it

GENERAL VIEW OF THE LORIES SUPPER. 159

is clear, simple, and natural. If we consider the air
of the assistants, one observes in them no surprise,
except the grief which they witness at seeing them-
selves shortly to be separated from their master ;
and to search for the marvellous under a pretended
veil, is certainly to want to be more subtile than they.
Here is a person, who takes leave of his friends,
who eats with them for the last time, who gives them
a token that they may remember him.

Besides, it appears from all the circumstances
that this ceremony is an imitation of the Passover,
except that it represents another event. The Pass-
over recalled to the mind of the Jews the mirac-
ulous deliverance from the Egyptian captivity.
" When your children," says Moses, " shall ask you
what means this ceremony, you shall tell them, that
it is the Passover of the Lord, when he smote
Egypt." It is the same with regard to the Eucha-
rist. It exhibits to Christians the death of Christ,
who delivered them from spiritual Egypt ; it pre-
serves the memory of this grand event, and trans-
mits it from age to age. If you here consult the
infallible Teacher, he will answer you, that you
should do this in remembrance of him. If you address
yourselves to the disciples, St. Paul informs you,
that " every time that you eat this bread, and drink
this cup, you do show forth the Lord's death till he
come."

160 REMARKS ON JOHN XIV. 28.

Remarks on John xiv. 28.

When the Arians object, that Jesus Christ, in
various passages, is represented as inferior to his
father, the Trinitarians reply, that these passages
ought to be understood of Christ as man ; but that
though Christ be inferior to his Father as man, yet
at the same time he has in him a divine nature, by
which he is God, blessed forever, with the Father.
If they urge, for example, this passage of St. John
xiv. 28. where Christ says, " The Father is greater
than I ;" and that of St. Matthew xxiv. 36. where it
is said, that " the son does not know the day of
judgment," they reply, that it is as man that Jesus
Christ says, that the Father is greater than he ;
that it is as man that he does not know the day of
judgment ; but that as God, he is equal to his
Father, he knows all things, he searches the hearts
and reins. These answers do not appear satisfac-
tory to the Arians ; they frame various difficulties
against them, which merit examination, and which
we are going to exhibit to the reader.

1. They say, that in order to apply this answer
to the passages which represent Jesus Christ as
inferior to his Father, it ought to appear very clearly
from scripture, that there are two natures in Christ,
one divine, and the other human. But this is what
does not appear from the sacred writings. There is

REMARKS ON JOHN XIV. 28. 161

not a single passage which obliges us to regard Jesus
Christ as the Supreme God. There is nothing,
therefore, which authorizes us to make this dis-
tinction.

2. One cannot apply this distinction to the pas-
sages of scripture in question, without doing violence
to them, without attributing to them a mode of
speaking, unknown to all languages, contrary to all
the rules of language. In effect, by these rules, one
may indeed attribute to an whole, what agrees to
some one of its parts ; but one cannot deny of a
whole, what agrees to one of the parts which com-
pose it. For example, I can say of a man, that he
thinks and that he is extended, because there is in him
something that thinks and that is extended ; but I
cannot say of a man, he does not think, he is not
extended, under pretence that there is in him some-
thing that does not think, and something that is not
extended. Thus, supposing that Jesus Christ be the
Supreme God, he cannot say, that he knows not the
clay of judgment, as on this supposition he knows it in
an infallible manner by his divinity. He cannot say in
a general manner, and without any limitation, that this
day is unknown to him, without violating truth. The
language which they have made Jesus Christ em-
ploy, in supposing that he had present to his mind
this imaginary distinction, resembles that which J
might hold, if, when interrogated by a judge concern-
ing facts which are very well known to me, I should
14*

162 REMARKS ON JOHN XIV. 28.

reply, that they were unknown to me, under pre-i
tence that my body had no knowledge of them. It is as
if, when one asked me if I had seen such a person, J
should answer, no ; because when I saw him I had
one of my eyes shut, and did not see him with that
eye. It is as if, when one should desire me to write
upon some subject, I should reply, that I was not
able to write, because my mind could not hold a pen.
There is nobody who does not see how absurd such
a mode of speaking would be. There is no absur-
dity a man might not advance, if he were allowed
to employ similar reservation. A man might say
that he neither eats nor drinks, because his mind
properly does not eat or drink. He might say, that
he does not think, that he has not an idea of any one
thing, that he remembers nothing, that he cannot
reason, because all these operations do not belong to
his body. One might say, in speaking of Jesus
Christ, that he was not born ; that he did not suffer ;
that he was not crucified ; that he did not die ; that
he was not raised again, or ascended into heaven,
because all this is not true of him with regard to his
divinity. We easily see that this would be to institute
an egregious abuse of language ; we ought therefore
to be cautious of attributing it to Jesus Christ, in
supposing that he adopted this mode of expressing
himself, in pretending that he declared to the world
his ignorance of the day of judgment, because he

REMARKS ON JOHN XIV. 28. 163

knew it not as man, though at the very time, as God,
this day was perfectly known to him.

3. This distinction, which they have framed, is
incompatible with th ideas which the orthodox
espouse of the divin, / of Jesus Christ. If they
acknowledge two persons in Jesus Christ, it might
perhaps take place ; they might say, that these two
persons in Jesus Christ take their turns in speaking,
and that it is the human person that speaks, when,
for example, Jestis Christ says that he knew not the
day of judgment. But the orthodox do not acknowl-
edge but one sole person in Christ ; that which con-
stitutes his person according to them, is his divine
nature ; the human nature of Christ is, with regard
to his person, only what clothes are in respect to a
man who is invested with them. It is therefore
always the divinity which speaks in Jesus Christ ;
for it is this nature, which constitutes his person,
which ought to speak ; it is therefore the divinity,
according to their system, which was to speak, when
they asked Jesus Christ when the day of judgment
would happen. Agreeably to their system, there-
fore, they cannot say, that it is as man that Jesus
Christ speaks on this occasion.

4. If one examine the passages to which the
orthodox apply this distinction, he will find, that it
cannot take place. In effect, Jesus Christ is most
frequently represented here as the Son of God, that
is, according to the system of the orthodox, as God.

164 REMARKS ON JOHN XIV. 28.

One cannot therefore say, that it is as man that Jesus
Christ speaks on these occasions ; for example, in
the passage we have already quoted, Jesus Christ
says, " As for that clay, and that hour, no man
knovveth it, not the angels who are in heaven, nor
even the Son, hut the Father." JVo man knoios it,
neither the angels, nor even the Son, that is, not
Christ himself, considered as exalted above the
angels, considered as the Son of God, as God,
according to that system ; one cannot therefore say,
that it was as man that Jesus Christ speaks in this
passage ; he excludes even this, when he says no
man. In effect, when the disciples addressed this
request to Jesus Christ ; " Tell us when these
things shall come to pass ;" they did not merely ask
him what he might know 'of them by lights natural to
humanity ; they addressed themselves to him as the
Son of God ; they wished to enjoy a share of that
knowledge which Jesus might possess in this regard,
in consequence of his intimate union with the Deity.
It follows, therefore, that Jesus Christ must be
absolutely ignorant of the time of the last judgment
to answer as he did, that there are not in Jesus
Christ those two natures which serve for the basis
of that distinction they have systematically framed,
and that this distinction must be vain and chimerical.
5. Though the mode of speaking, which they
attribute to the Scriptures, were not as contrary as it
really is to the uniform rules of language, one ought

REMARKS ON JOHN XIV. 2S. 165

at least to own that it is far from being natural, far
from being customary ; that the expressions, which
the Scripture employs, would naturally and obviously
enough denote, that Jesus Christ does not know all
things, that Jesus Christ is not equal to his Father.
Now if Jesus Christ was God, is it conceivable that
the Scriptures would have chosen to make use of
expressions so equivocal ; expressions, which would
have a tendency to overthrow a doctrine of this im-
portance, which would put men in imminent danger
of being deceived ? What would the orthodox say of
a man, who, in his discourse, would very frequently
declare, that Jesus Christ is not eternal ; that Jesus
Christ is not omnipotent ; that Jesus Christ does not
know all things ; that Jesus Christ did not create the
Heavens and the Earth ? It would be in vain for
him sometimes to ascribe to Jesus Christ attributes
of divinity, he would not fail to pass for a heretic ;
they would pretend, that if he were thoroughly con-
vinced that Jesus Christ was God, he would talk in a
different strain. Why do they not make the same
judgment in regard to the Scripture ? If Jesus Christ
was God, would it speak so frequently of him as a
man inferior to his Father ; as a man who holds
every thing at his hands ? The scripture, in using
the language of the Unitarians, does it not authorize
their principles ? Why blame so heinously in indi-
viduals expressions which occasion no trouble when
one finds them in the Scripture ? Why study to

K>6 REMARKS ON JOHN XIV. 28.

elude, by an unnatural distinction, the clear and
natural sense which exhibits itself in these passages.
They ought at least to grant, that from the reflec-
tions which they make to justify these expressions of
scripture, which represent Jesus Christ to us as infe-
rior to his Father, they ought, I say, to grant, that
the Unitarians are authorized in speaking as they do
of Jesus Christ ; they will be able to say that Jesus
Christ is not omnipotent ; that Jesus Christ does not
know every thing ; that Jesus Christ did not create
the Heavens and the Earth. They will follow herein
a mode of speaking approved by the orthodox ; they
will adopt the style of scripture ; no one will have
any reason to be offended with this language. One
must perhaps say on this subject, something like
what a famous orthodox man said with regard to the
subjects of Grace ; One must preach like an Jlrnvi-
nian, and believe like a Calvinist ; so here, one must
speak with the Unitarians, and believe with the ortho-
dox. Who does not see, however, whither senti-
ments of this kind lead !

To conclude, what shows the little foundation
that this distinction hath, which they employ in order
to accommodate those passages which represent Jesus
Christ as inferior to his Father, is, that the ancient
Fathers, even the most orthodox of them, never made
use of it. They took a different way to answer these
passages ; they owned that Jesus Christ, considered
even as God, was in some respects subordinate to his

REMARKS ON JOHN XIV. 28. 167

Father ; that as it was from him that he derived his
being, in this regard he depended in some measure
on his Father ; in this respect he might say, My
Father is greater than f. Several also of the most
zealous divines for the Trinity employ this expedient,
to answer the difficulties which are proposed to them,
and do not apply to all sorts of passages the distinc-
tion I have been examining.

I

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